Go Green Lifestyle - Easy Ways To Go Green And Help Save The Environment

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If you are looking for ways to go green, then buying products that are eco-friendly are probably going to be on the list sooner or later. How do you know which products to choose? Many green products will display an eco label to let the consumer know that the product is Free-range, Organic, Natural, or one of many other ways to describe their product as being green.
The problem is, many consumers may be under the impression that all products with these type of labels are somehow endorsed by the government, but in fact, many green products are self-regulated and don’t provide detailed information to the public as to what actually makes their products Earth-friendly.

As with anything you spend your hard earned money on, it is wise to research eco products before opening your pocket book. Unfortunately, just because a product has a green label, doesn’t actually mean that you are buying green.

So, where is the fine line between the green eco label and marketing strategy?

Luckily, there are companies like SCS (Scientific Vertification Systems). SCS independently researches and certifies companies that fall under the branding of Eco Options. They provide detailed information on companies who are certified by them so that you can research their policies and standards before choosing to buy their products. For example, they include Starbucks and Home Depot.
Independent certifiers like these help consumers find the details behind the eye-catching eco label and help us all determine which products are truly green.

As a quick reference starting point, here are 5 well trusted eco labels you can look for at the grocery store:

1. USDA Organic
   You will find USDA on food packaging. Any food that you see with the USDA Organic eco label means that what you are eating was made without the use of antibiotics, genetic engineering, and most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides were not used.
2. Rainforest Alliance Certified
   You will also find the Rainforest Alliance Certified eco label on food packaging. You can be sure that the companies that are harvesting the food in question have practiced soil and water conservation as well as reduced the use of pesticides.
3. Fair Trade Certified
   Anything with the Fair Trade Certified eco label means that the food was ggrown on a small farm and that the farmers were paid a fair price.
4. Certified Humane
   As you might be able to tell from the name, if you see the Certified Humane eco label, either on your eggs or meat, then you can be sure that the animals were treated humanely. The diet of these animals does not contain antibiotics, and they are also never given growth hormones.
5. Green Seal
   If you see the Green Seal eco label on paper products at the grocery store such as napkins, paper towel, or toilet paper, you know that they have met a high standard of recycling and bleaching.

For more information on eco labels, you can research and evaluate products, labels, and independent certifiers at GreenerChoices.org.