Watch for labels
……. Many companys list their products as ‘organic’ but are they? Ingredients like “phthalates” – “parabens” – “triclosen” – “rBGH” in dairy products….Watch for the real deals when your shopping… Here’s a few names to remember – Much thanks to my book – BIG GREEN PURSE, as some links came out of there…….
SMART Certified ~
http://mts.sustainableproducts.com/standards.htm
A program of the Institute for market Transformation of Sustainaibility MTS – considers a products complete life cycle.
Green Seal ~ GS
www.greenseal.org
Scientific based environmental certification standards
Scientific Certification Systems ~ SCS
www.scs1.com
Certifies environmental claims to
recycled content
organic ingredient
water efficiency
sustainable forestry
They meet International Environmental Labeling Standards
Forest Stewartship Council ~ FSC
http://fscus.org
Certifies wood from Responsibility managed forests
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ~ LEED
www.usgbc.org
Green Building Rating Systems is the Nationally accepted benchmark for the – Design – Construction – Operation of High Performance Green Building ~ www.usgbc.org
LEED promotes a while-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in 5 elements of Human & Environmental Health
~ Sustainable site developement
~ Water savings
~ Energy efficient
~ Material selection
~ Indoor Environmental Quality
www.energystar.gov
A joint Venture between US Environmental Protection Agency & US Dept of Energy
Products meet strict energy-efficient guidelines to save energy and money and also protect the environment.
www.veriflora.com
Developed by SCS to flower growers who do NOT use extremely hazardous grow chemicals. Indicates growers who are converting to organic growing practices
www.fairtradecertified.org
A label issued by Trans Fair US to demonstrate that farmers and workers were paid fair wages and have better opportunities for health care, housing, and education. The program supports communities development and environmental stewardship in developing countries where products are produced.
Certified Humane Raised and Handled ~
www.certifiedhumane.org
Independent verification that stock and poultry meet high quality humane animal care standards. These include access to clean and sufficient water and food. Protection from the weather and proper amounts of space to move about healthy.
www.leapingbunny.org
Certification program of the coalition for consumer information on cosmetics. these companies do NOT test their products on animals during any stage of development. The ingredient supplier make the same pledge.
Marine Stewartship Council ~ MSC
www.msc.org
provides an eco label for fish that come from certified sustainable well managed fisheries.
Green E ~
www.green-e.org
Recognizes companies that generate 50% of their power from a renewable source like wind or solar.
Certified Organic Products ~ USDA National Organic Standards – Products labeled 100 % organic – must contain only organically produced ingredients.
Products labelled “organic” must contain at least 95% organic produced ingredients.Processed products made at least 70% organic ingredients may use the phrase made with organic ingredients.
For CANADA’S organic Growing Standards, please visit the following linkhttp://www.cog.ca/about_organics/organic-standards-and-regulations/
