Eco Labels - Are They Valuable?
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Eco-Labels are designations given within a specific industry which conform to specific environmental, social, and governance practices. These certifications are mostly designated by third parties and provide guidelines and standards for companies to comply with. A good label should have tangible and easily measured criteria.
Some of the most credible and monitored labels are;
USDA(Organic)- Food/Agriculture
LEED - Environmental Design and Energy
Energy Star- Home Appliance
FSC- Paper and Wood
MSC- Sustainable Fish
Rainforest Alliance- Conservation
Each of these has a long list of support from government agencies, non profits, and credible corporations. Making them useful labels which have moved their industries forward with initiatives that provide results. Lowering energy use, pesticide reduction, technological innovation, forestry conservation, and healthier oceans.
Today there are about 500 Eco Labels in use causing a bit of confusion even for industry insiders as to the benefit and value of these designations. Are they valuable? Manufacturers and manufacturing associations have jumped on the bandwagon making the market over saturated with labeling. For consumers, this can be very confusing and misleading. On the other hand, it also shows how far the sustainable, Eco-friendly, green movement have come. It does have value!
In the future, the true test will be if these practices will become mainstream practices within organizations. All companies should provide safer, healthier, highly efficient, and burden free products without need for labeling. The next time you look at one of those labels remember there is a lot of thought, collaboration, and goodness going into them. People are working very hard to provide you with better products. Just remember to investigate on your own the credibility of the label and its background and affiliations. Choose well!
Be Well,
Kim
Courtesy of...
Eco-Labels are designations given within a specific industry which conform to specific environmental, social, and governance practices. These certifications are mostly designated by third parties and provide guidelines and standards for companies to comply with. A good label should have tangible and easily measured criteria.
Some of the most credible and monitored labels are;
USDA(Organic)- Food/Agriculture
LEED - Environmental Design and Energy
Energy Star- Home Appliance
FSC- Paper and Wood
MSC- Sustainable Fish
Rainforest Alliance- Conservation
Each of these has a long list of support from government agencies, non profits, and credible corporations. Making them useful labels which have moved their industries forward with initiatives that provide results. Lowering energy use, pesticide reduction, technological innovation, forestry conservation, and healthier oceans.
Today there are about 500 Eco Labels in use causing a bit of confusion even for industry insiders as to the benefit and value of these designations. Are they valuable? Manufacturers and manufacturing associations have jumped on the bandwagon making the market over saturated with labeling. For consumers, this can be very confusing and misleading. On the other hand, it also shows how far the sustainable, Eco-friendly, green movement have come. It does have value!
In the future, the true test will be if these practices will become mainstream practices within organizations. All companies should provide safer, healthier, highly efficient, and burden free products without need for labeling. The next time you look at one of those labels remember there is a lot of thought, collaboration, and goodness going into them. People are working very hard to provide you with better products. Just remember to investigate on your own the credibility of the label and its background and affiliations. Choose well!
Be Well,
Kim
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