In a recent article Lucy Siegle points out that eco labeling has become so popular how are we really to know what means what and if the statements they are making are wholly truthful.

Thorough research shows that the following list of labels do say what they mean and should help make decisions easier when it comes to choosing environmentally and socially responsible purchases;

The Soil Association

Its standards of organic production go well above the Defra minimum.  Standards do not permit the routine use of agrichemicals or pesticides and specify rotational grazing systems.  It also has higher animal welfare specifications than standard organic systems.  By 2009 all air-freighted produce must conform to these standards to retain the SA logo.

www.soilassociation.org

The Vegan Society

Permits no animal ingredients, by products of or derivative.  Neither will the society certify products containing GMO where their development has involved animal genes or animal-derived substances.

www.vegansociety.com

The Fairtrade Mark

An Independent consumer label giving an independent guarantee that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a better deal.  Products bearing the mark meet international Fairtrade standards, set by the international certification body, Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO).  Supplying producers are inspected and certified by the FLO and receive a minimum price covering the cost of sustainable production and an extra premium for social and economic development.

www.fairtrade.org.uk

The Leaf Marque

Guarantees that the producer operates their business and production in accordance with Leaf Integrated Farm Management principles: farmers manage all key farm inputs including water and fuels in a responsible manner to ensure that they have the least impact on the environment, including the proper re-cycling of by-products.  Pesticides are permitted (unlike the organic system) but farmers must follow a responsible – use code. Leaf farmers have a positive approach to improving wildlife and the landscape.

www.leafuk.org

MSC TICK

Ensures that the fish you are buying comes from a well-managed and sustainable fishery, as defined by the Marine Stewardship Council, a global, non-profit organisation set up by Unilever, the world’s largest buyer of seafood, and WWF, in 1997.  In 1999 the MSC became fully independent from both organisations.  Now 24 of the world’s fisheries are certified, and 42 are being assessed. 

www.msc.org

OEKO-TEX

Fabric with the Oeko-Tex 100 label has been tested for PH – value, formaldehyde content, pesticides, heavy metals, chlorinated organic carriers and preservatives.  The label also ensures that clothes are free of flame-retardant and biocide finishes, prohibited in the apparel industry.

www.oeko-tex.com

 The Humane Cosmetics Standard

Also known as the Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free/Against Animal Testing Accreditation is awarded by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) It ensures that companies no longer conduct or commission animal testing for cosmetics and toiletries products or household products.

www.gocrueltyfree.org

MBDC Cradle to Cradle product certification

This label tells you that the products have been made in accordance chemist Michael Braungart and sustainability design guru William McDonough’s ‘cradle to cradle’ philosophy.  Instead of designing cradle-to-cradle products dumped in landfills at the end of their lifecycle.  MBDC products are designed around cradle-to-cradle cycles, whose materials are perpetually re-used.

www.mbdc.com

The European Union EU Energy Label

If you buy an A-grade freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, washer dryer or even a light bulb, you can be rest assured that you’ve picked the most energy efficient model achievable.  As an EU compulsory ratings notice, energy-rating labels must be shown on all white goods.

The Energy Saving Trust Logo

Tells you that a product has been selected by an independent panel because it meets strict criteria on energy efficiency.

www.est.org.uk

The FSC Trademark

Ensures that the timber product or product derived from timber is from a sustainable managed forest as defined by the Forest Stewardship Council’s 10 governing principles.  The FSC’s are the only internationally valid standards for responsible forest management.

www.fsc.org

Source The Observer Magazine 

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 at 2:34 pm and is filed under Industry News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.