Eco Ego-Labeling

Eco Ego-Labeling

Currently, about 600 labels exist worldwide to certify qualities of environmental stewardship in products. Whether you're worried about a product's carbon output in China, its effect on Orangutans in Indonesia, or the "pot to plate" management of Southern Rocklobsters in Australia, you will find a certification for all of your environmental concerns - as well as those you didn't even know you had.

However, as labeling is a self-regulating industry, the credibility of these eco-claims varies widely. In carbon alone, there are hundreds of labels from the Carbon Trust to the Climatop. While the best certifications such as Forest Stewardship Council, Marine Stewardship Council and Rainforest Alliance have increased accountability in their respective markets, others have led to consumer confusion and enabled corporations to hide under a green cloak.

Researchers have found that more than 98% of 2,200 certified products in North America lack proof to justify their claims. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed charges against multiple labels for false charges. For example, the FTC prosecuted clothing manufactures for advertising their products as made of sustainable bamboo fiber when in fact they were made of rayon. These companies (Sami Designs, Jonano, CSE Inc, Mad Mod and Pure Bamboo) were also charged for falsely claiming that their products were made using environmentally friendly processes retaining the natural antimicrobial properties of the bamboo plant, and that they are biodegradable.

Amongst the confusion of eco-labeling, the only thing that is clear is that labels need to collaborate and consolidate to fulfill their greater mandate. In September, the most respected eco-labeling brands will meet with thought-leaders of the most influential companies and certifications involved in sustainability to discuss concerns and make plans for the future of this valuable field (see The First International Conference on Ethical Certification).

Perhaps they should make a label to label the best eco-labels?

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See www.theinsoruce.com for more information on this first international conference on ethical certification.

Photo Credit: flickr