With the increasing awareness of environmental issues and personal responsibilities comes the phenomenon of green washing. In other words, this involves making inflated claims about the sustainability and/or eco-friendliness of businesses and products. With many people eager to effect change through their consumer choices, it can pay to have environmentally savvy advertising.
With this in mind, how can you pick out trustworthy products and services? One option is finding a reliable distributor or certification. Just as food items should be certified by a third party – such as organic certificate programs and Fair Trade – other products can also benefit from external assessment.
Green Shift is a Toronto-based company that sources environmental products. They research the manufacturing and funding behind various items. They also perform environmental assessments. In addition, the company promotes higher standards and negotiates affordable pricing. The idea is to make being green easy and affordable. Green Shift targets companies and bulk-buyers such as institutions. Their current stock includes basic, often disposable, items like cleaning products, paper toilet paper and tissues, plates, cups, and cutlery. However, other products are also possible.
What if you are in a store and trying to make a good choice? For a start, read the label. Look at any listed ingredients. Check to see if any organic or fair trade certification is mentioned. Where was the item made or grown? Ask a store employee if the source is unclear or you want to know more about the manufacturing process. Typically, environmental products will make clear claims – the trick is distinguishing honest claims. If the package doesn’t provide answers, the vendor seems unclear, or the origin is murky – just pass.
Some stores pride themselves on sourcing reliable products. There are also online services that cater to green consumers. Try sites like PlanetFriendly. Ethiquette promotes itself as a network for responsible consumers. They highlight environmentally friendly products and ethical services, such as socially responsible investing and eco-travel.
Ethiquette sets out criteria for assessment. These considerations offer a useful way to look at sustainable and ethical issues. For environmental friendliness, they look for organic products and eco-efficient processes throughout the chain of distribution. Social economy and social enterprise require that production is by collective groups, benefits marginalized members of society, or is aimed at social improvements. Worker-friendly criteria include fair trade certification and strong worker-centred values.
It may sound complicated, but asking a few questions and reading labels can lead to positive purchasing power. Once a few favourite sources are found, not only is it simple to make good choices, but those buys will feel good too.
Photo credit: Hanneorla
