Environmental Significant Labels

Some of the labels on "green" products are meaningless, misleading, orcompletely false. Here are the words to look for to be sure you are really buying green products. Marketers are now packaging everything from lipstick to licorice in a way that suggests their product is healthier or more earth friendly. Whether you are shopping at Wal-Mart or Kroger, you are bombarded with such words as "recycled", "natural"," biodegradable”, and more. Does it stand for a real environmental benefit? Here are some terms to help you better understand if the label is accurate.

1. Organic

   What bears this label? Food, household cleaning supplies, fibers like cotton and wool, cosmetics, personal care products, dry cleaners Does the word “organic” have environmental significance? Yes it does. It helps reduces use of synthetic chemicals that harm the environment and possibly create health risks. Is it worth it? Absolutely. This label has the most impact on the planet and family.

2. 2. Nontoxic

   What bears this label? Household cleaning products What does it mean”? Ingredients pose no health risk. Does this have an environmental significance? Not much since manufactures and consumer health -activists disagree on what is safe.

3. DEA Free

   What bears this label? Household cleaning and personal care products What does it mean? Does not contain DEA (diethanolamine), a substance linked to cancer in animal studies Does this claim have environmental significance? The link to cancer in humans has not been established but you may want to avoid it just in case.

4. Biodegradable

   What bears this label? Household cleaners, personal care products, plastics What does it mean? After disposal, it can decompose into substances that can safely be absorbed into the soil. Some manufactures use the term loosely. Does this have an environmental significance? Yes, reduces the longevity of waste and reduces pollution in soil and water.

5. Nonpolluting

   What bears this label? Household cleaning products What does it mean? No clear definition Does this claim have environmental significance? No, Too vague to be meaningful. Look for organic and biodegradable products instead.

6. Natural

   What bears this label? Food, household cleaning products, clothing, cosmetics, personal care products What does it mean? For meat and poultry; minimally processed, with no artificial flavor, coloring, or chemical preservatives. For all the rest no clear definition. Does this claim have an environmental significance? Yes for meat and poultry. For everything else, the definition is too loose.

7. Sustainable

   What bears this label? Wood and paper products What does it mean? Made with renewable resources, such as forest harvested using methods to protect the soil, water, plant, and animal life. Does this claim have environmental significance? Yes, if you buy more sustainable products it may spur more companies to take better care of our forests. Although sustainable can be misleading. Look for products with an FSC seal, granted by the Forest Stewardship Council.

8. Environmentally Safe

   What bears this label? Household cleaning and personal products What does it mean? Not harmful to the environment Does this claim have environmental significance? No, too vague. Plus even organic products affect the environment because carbon based energy is used to make and transport them.

9. Recycled

   What bears this label? Primarily paper and office supplies What does it mean? Contains some recycled products Does this claim have environmental significance? Yes, it contains about 30% or more recycled material.

10. No CFCs

    What bears this label? Household cleaning and personal care products What does it mean? Does not contain CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), chemicals that damage the Earth's protective ozone layer. Does this claim have environmental significance? No, the EPA banned CFCs decades ago. CFC-free products may, and sometimes do contain other harmful ingredients.