Is It Green Or Green-Washed?

Green is the new black, or so they say. And manufacturers are scrambling to meet all of that new demand by making eco-savvy products that are good for the planet. But buyer beware; not all products are as eco-friendly as you are led to believe. Many products are actually just “greenwashed,” meaning they are made to appear eco-friendly without actually being eco-friendly.

Greenwashed products are often plastered with labels such as biodegradable, cruelty-free, eco-safe, environmentally-friendly, environmentally-preferable, environmentally-safe, or non-toxic. But the sad reality is that these labels are meaningless as they are not legally defined or enforced.

Want to compose certain you are getting the real earth-friendly deal? Here’s a quick list of the labels to look for at the store. For in-depth info on sorting out the green from the greenwashed, check out The Green Parent: A-Kid Friendly Guide to Earth-Friendly Living.

USDA Certified Organic
Look for that label on produce, dairy, and meats to ensure that they are produced without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers or genetically modified ingredients.

Fair Trade Certified
If you see the Fair Trade logo on food, clothing, and wood products, you can be certain it was produced with consideration for both the environment and the workers who brought it to you.

Leaping Bunny
The Leaping Bunny logo on cosmetics, personal care products and household products indicates that the product is truly “cruelty-free”

FSC Certified
The Forest Stewardship Council certifies lumber, paper products, and furniture to ensure that the trees used to build them were harvested sustainably.

Energy Star
Look for the Energy Star label on appliances and products such as computers, toasters, dishwashers, and even windows. Products that bear that label use less water and energy than comparable models.

[Source] Jenn