ARE ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS GOOD FOR THE PLANET?

There was a time when it was unnecessary to label products as eco-friendly as almost everything was already made from natural sources. Nowadays, with all the toxic chemicals found in the products we consume, the importance of eco-friendly products has never been more important.

Yet, as consumers, we easily fall into the “eco-friendly” trap believing we make a difference every time we purchase a product with an eco-label. Be careful, not all eco-friendly products are genuinely good for our planet!

Some of them must be consumed with moderation or caution, others need to be avoided.

Let’s read this blog to find out how to identify which products are good for our planet and which ones to avoid.

What is an eco-friendly product?

Eco-friendly products refer to market-driven products, cause minimal environmental degradation and are produced through a product development process that creates an environmental impact throughout their sustainable life cycle.

What are eco-labels?

The ecolabel is a voluntary method for certifying and labeling environmental performance practiced worldwide. It identifies products or services that are proven to be environmentally suitable in a given category

What are the benefits of using eco-friendly products?

By using ecological products:

– you contribute to preserving the environment since you do not use harmful materials – you encourage a sustainable life cycle through their production – you consume products that avoid the use of fossil fuels – you use cost-effective products – you use products that are and/or can be recycled and reused – you create a positive impact on the planet – you improve your mental and physical health as eco-friendly products are usually healthier products.

What eco-friendly products must be avoided?

1. Products that do not fully respect the ethical and sustainable lifecycle

Be careful not to buy eco-friendly products that do not fully respect the ethical and sustainable life cycle, right from the product itself to its packaging as well as, to the company that produces it. Be mindful of what goes on behind the scenes of the product by investigating the company, its eco-values, eco-friendly applied ethics, and its sustainable practices so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.

2. Avoid being tricked by products bearing eco-labels such as “green washing”, “sustainable”, “eco-responsible”.

The intention to be eco-friendly is real in many manufacturing companies today. Yet sometimes they are not fully sustainable. Some others play on that word even if they only contain 5% sustainable elements just to increase the market value of the product. Those consumers who do their best to be eco-conscious and eco-responsible will automatically fall into this trap. The best way to avoid these types of products is to carefully read the information beyond that one eco-label or greenwashing sticker for example.

Below are those thorough details that indicate eco-friendly labels.

· “Made with 100 percent all-natural ingredients” · “100 percent biodegradable” · “This product will break down into non-toxic material in 10 to 15 years · “Made with 100 percent recycled material” Also, pay attention to the products with labels certified as eco-friendly such as Green Seal, Energy Star, Forest Stewardship Council logo, USDA Organic seal

3. Avoid materials that contain ingredients that deplete our natural resources or harm our environment

Avoid the labels, tags, packaging, or materials that contain chemicals such as toxic pesticides or herbicides. Consider items that are 100% organic, biodegradable, all-natural, and/or made from recycled materials from renewable resources such as cotton, hemp, or linen rather than from fabrics made from plastic.

Our purchasing choices and habits are a key part of our journey to becoming the people that our planet deserves. By identifying what eco-friendly products are good for our planet, we become more responsible consumers and create impact.

Knowing what is truly eco-friendly, and consequently what to avoid, is key to becoming a sustainable consumer. Do keep educating yourself in order to raise awareness and eventually sensitize those around you so that we can all contribute to protecting our planet.

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