Eco-Friendly Labels: Why They Matter and What to Look For

Perfect eco-friendly labels are designed to help consumers like you take part in preserving the environment and promoting sustainability across the industry. These labels on various items help you pick products that have a low environmental impact. 

The star label, known as Energy Star, represents electronic products that meet energy efficiency standards. Similarly, the label with the man featuring a raised arm supports fair trade. If a product promotes fair wages and ethical agricultural standards, it gets the label. 

Want to know more about this? Dig in as we explore eco-friendly labels and their importance below. 

What Are Eco-Friendly Labels?

Eco-friendly labels are symbols or certifications placed on items that meet ethical or environmental standards. These items are then labeled as eco-friendly products. 

The labels are organic certifications that allow you to identify products that can help make a change to the environment. This way, if you are a conscious person, you won’t think twice before buying them. 

But how do these labels work? 

Suppose you sell a product and want to get eco-friendly labels for it. In that case, you will have to apply to a certifying body for evaluation. The organization will analyze the product against certain criteria involving factors like energy efficiency, waste reduction, or sustainable sourcing. 

Every label requires a certain set of standards. Some focus on the environmental impact of your product, while a few consider ethical practices like fair wages. 

Most of the time, to get a label, your product must achieve its standards throughout the entire lifecycle of your product. 

In many cases, independent or third-party verification is also required before a product gets a label. This is to prevent greenwashing, which we will learn later in this article. 

Once your product has been approved for a label, you will be allowed to use it on your package. You may be required to make your labels go through audits to maintain authenticity when renewing certifications. 

But what types of eco-friendly certifications are there? Here are a few examples. 

• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): This label ensures that the wood or paper used in your product has come from a well-managed forest. 
• Energy Star: This label signifies that a product uses less energy than the standard amount. 
• Organic Labels: These labels ensure that a product doesn’t use fertilizers or pesticides during its production. 
• Fair Trade Certified: The label confirms that all workers working towards making a product are paid fairly and are allowed to work under healthy conditions. 

Why Eco-Friendly Labels Matter

Have you heard of responsible consumption? This is a practice that involves spending money on products that may have a positive effect on the environment and society as a whole. Eco-conscious consumers have the power to influence the market by choosing products with trusted green certifications, contributing to a healthy world. 

Eco-friendly labels hold a significant place in every industry. 

• They elevate consumer awareness by helping people understand the environmental impact of a product. This helps customers make informed decisions when it comes to making purchases. 
• Eco-friendly labels help reduce many issues, such as carbon footprint, pollution, and excessive waste. With these labels, customers can contribute significantly towards fighting against climate change. 
• With more and more consumers demanding sustainable products, corporate organizations are pushed to practice green practices to get the labels. This means that they are more involved now than ever in reducing their emissions, waste, and more. 
• Eco-friendly labels help build trust between companies and consumers. They matter because they help label products as sustainable, increasing their demand and profiting the businesses. 

All of these labels are powerful symbols designed to build a sustainable future. But there are some that you should look for in particular. Take a read to find which ones are these. 

Common Eco-Friendly Labels You Should Know

As an online shopper, it is your responsibility to find products that resonate with your values and, at the same time, help make this world a better place to live. Therefore, when going on a shopping spree, look for items with the following labels. 

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This eco-friendly label is recognized for organic textiles globally. The certification ensures that products like home textiles and clothing meet high social and environmental standards throughout their chain. The label is often given to ethical brands. 
• Energy Star: You will find this label on the packaging of most energy-efficient electronics and appliances. The label confirms that a particular product uses less energy than standard, contributing to a positive environment. This is also one of the top and most used green certifications. 
• Cradle to Cradle: This globally recognized label guarantees that the design of a product largely focuses on circularity and sustainability. 
• Leaping Bunny: You may have seen this label on cosmetic products. The symbol certifies that a product is entirely cruelty-free. This means that it hasn’t been tested on animals at any stage of its production. It features a bunny with a black outline and two lines with stars against a white background. 

How to Spot Greenwashing and Misleading Claims

Since eco-conscious consumers are on the rise, it has become more important now than ever for brands to adapt to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. However, not all companies are able to achieve this, which pushes them to practice greenwashing. 

What is this? This is a practice that involves misleading claims about sustainable products. Companies mislead consumers by making them believe that a product is eco-friendly, but in reality, it isn’t. 

Greenwashing is generally achieved through misguided PR stunts, false marketing, or a change in packaging without the use of sustainable ingredients. It is a strategy companies use to show they care, but in reality, they don’t. 

Remember how, in 2019, McDonald’s introduced paper straws, which it claimed to be eco-friendly. Many believed, but the reality unfolded soon when these straws were found to be non-recyclable.

Another greenwashing move was made by Coca-Cola.  It introduced Coca-Cola Life and claimed it to have its sweetness from natural sources. However, all of this was untrue, as the drink was far from being healthy. 

Unfortunately, greenwashing is a trend that may stay here for long. Companies are using it to tell lies and sell more. But you can always avoid greenwashing claims through simple tips. 

• Research the Certification: Make sure that the eco-friendly label is backed by a credible certification body. Put lots of effort into your research to find the answer. 
• Look for Transparency: Check whether the company provides detailed information about its environmental efforts. Go through the website, social media pages, and marketing ads to confirm. 
• Check for Specific Claims: General terms like “eco-friendly” or “natural” are often unregulated. Go through the list of claims made by the company to know if they are actually true. 
• Check the Company’s Reviews and Ratings: Go through all the reviews and ratings shared by customers and experts. Visit third-party platforms with solid proof in this area. 
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask relevant questions to clear up your confusion. Most companies are delighted to answer your queries to avoid any misunderstandings. 

How to Shop for Eco-Friendly Labeled Products Online

Want to have a responsible shopping experience online? Practice these tips! 

• Familiarize yourself with the most important eco-friendly labels for your products. This way you can look for them when shopping. 
• Shop from brands that are known to follow sustainable practices. Go through the methods they use to source their raw material and manufacture end products. 
• When shopping for eco-friendly products, read online reviews on different platforms. This is a perfect way to find insights into an item’s eco-friendliness and overall performance. 
• Try searching for brands that produce and ship locally. This is a perfect move to support your local economy and reduce shipping emissions. 
• Make sure that you go through every brand’s return policy. So, if an item doesn’t meet your ethical standards, you can send it back with ease. 

The Future of Eco-Friendly Labels in Online Shopping

Eco-friendly labeling is more than just an act to create convenience for eco-conscious consumers. It is a practice to establish a habit of manufacturing and promoting products that can help reduce environmental impact as much as possible. 

With more and more people becoming considerate about the future of their environment through online shopping, it is clear that eco-friendly labels will soon become a huge aspect of product development and packaging. Eco-labels play an important role in creating environmental policies, thus ensuring the use of resources in the best possible way. 

As per our predictions, getting eco-friendly labels will become mandatory for all online businesses worldwide. Those who won’t get it or qualify for it may have to face the consequences through low consumer demand, leading to low profits and failed businesses. 

Tips for Businesses on Using Eco-Friendly Labels

Running a business? Take these tips to use labels correctly!

• Choose the Right Certifications for Your Products: Make sure to avoid making false claims and go for certifications that honestly represent your product. You can also go for third-party verifications to confirm. 
• Be Transparent with Your Customers: Even if it may lead to reduced sales, don’t be dishonest with your customers at any cost. Make sure that they know what your product has been through before reaching your home. This is the best strategy to elevate trust between your company and your customers. 
• Highlight Eco-Friendly Labels in Marketing: Promote your certifications through solid marketing plans. Highlight your labels through ads or social media advertisements. Ensure that your website flaunts the labels, too. 
• Invest in Sustainable Packaging and Shipping: Make sure that your packaging and shipping methods also resonate with your product’s eco-friendly standards. For instance, recyclable packages for items can be used and shipped locally. Charge higher for international deliveries to discourage them. 

Conclusion

Eco-friendly labels are a perfect way to identify products that can help you make a conscious and responsible customer. By choosing products with these labels, you not only discourage harmful practices on the environment but also play a significant role in making this world a better place for the next generation. 

However, make sure that whenever you look at a product that is eco-friendly, do your search on its certifications to avoid greenwashing. Read reviews online and verify from third parties before adding an item to your cart. 

Choose your products wisely so you can live in an environment that doesn’t make you regret it later.