Look for the Green Seal

It is good to know that there are non-profit organizations that are concerned with the welfare of the environment. One such organization is Green Seal. It is a third-party certifier in the U.S. that has met the stringent criteria of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in regards to third-party ecolabelling organizations. Green Seal also meets the requirements of both ISO 14020 and 14024.

Manufacturers who would like to have their products certified as having met the industry standards in adhering to eco-friendly manufacturing processes can initially request Green Seal to conduct the necessary tests and inspections. This would involve a close inspection of the manufacturing process from the acquisition of the raw materials to the final product. Once the product adheres to green regulations, it will receive a Green Seal Certification Mark. This mark can then be included in the packaging subject to the approval by Green Seal; and when you find the green certificate on a product, you will know that that product has been certified as eco-friendly.

There is also an association of ecolabelling organizations that conforms to the standards set by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN). Unlike other ambiguous “green” claims, these non-profit third-party agencies provide impartial certifications and ecolabelling. It is a voluntary evaluation of the company’s environmental performance.

Identify Organic Products

With all of the organic claims, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) created consistent and uniform standards for agricultural products to meet organic certification. The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) administers labeling standards to accredited organizations to certify organic agricultural producers. They regulate organic growing and production. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has made organic verification mandatory. And the NOP Final Rule under the NOP has required every product in the U.S. using an “organic” label to be certified.