Green Shopping : What Do Eco-Labels Mean?

You made a wise decision that you are going for green shopping, but then you stand at the supermarket, puzzled, trying to figure out what products are eco friendly and what do the labels mean.

If eco labelling makes you a bit confused, this list will help you understand what they stand for. You can also teach your kids those logos and ask them to look for products and items with eco friendly labels.

Leaping Bunny - No animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers.

Dolphin Safe- No dolphins were intentionally chased or encircled with deadly tuna nets, nor were any dolphins killed or seriously injured.

Recycled - Made from recycled materials.

Recyclable - The item can be recycled. (It hasn’t been recycled yet).

Energy Star - A program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products.

Fair Trade Products - Standards are being implemented regarding working conditions, wages, child labour and the environment.

Forest Stewardship Council - An international network to promote responsible management of the world's forests.

Green Seal - Dedicated to safeguard the environment and transforming the marketplace by promoting the manufacture, purchase and use of environmentally responsible products and services.

Certified Organic - All agricultural products labeled "organic" must be in compliance with U. S. organic law. The word "organic" on U. S. products will mean that the ingredients and production methods have been verified by an accredited certification agency as meeting or exceeding USDA standards for organic production. In short, consumers will have the assurance that products labeled "organic" have been produced in compliance with the standards set forth by USDA.

The EKO Quality Symbol - Is an international quality symbol for organic products. It is used when raw materials originate from organic cultivation and are processed using organic methods.

Post-Consumer Waste (PCW) - Items made from reclaimed material that has served its end purpose, such as recycled paper or plastic soda bottles.

Biodegradable - Products are designed to compost quickly, completely and safely, without leaving any plastic residues.

Degradable - Natural and manmade substances that can be broken down by natural processes into smaller parts. For instance, a tin can is degradable; it will break down over a long period of time through oxidation, and weathering.

Photodegradable - Capable of decomposing when exposed to light. Photodegradable plastic, for example, becomes brittle and breaks into smaller pieces when exposed to sunlight, helping reduce litter and environmental damage.

“100% Organic” - All components are organically grown and certified, including the sewing threads, and all processes used to manufacture the garment conform to the processing requirements stated in the standard.

“Organic” - At least 95% (by weight) of the agricultural fibers are organically grown and all processing adheres to the environmental processing requirements given in the document

“Made with organic (specified fiber products)” - At least 70% (by weight) of the garment have been organically grown.

“Less than 70% organically produced constituents” - Maybe it has some organic fiber content, maybe not. All non-organic garment components may be processed and handled without regard to the OTA standards. What you see is what you get.

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