Ten Ways to Avoid Greenwashing

Written by Lucas Figueroa on Feb 14, 2012 8:19 am

By consumer F A C Ts h e e t NSF Live safer.™

Many families today are trying to live greener by choosing products that make a claim to be organic, natural otherwise more environmentally friendly. However, it’s difficult to always tell just by looking at the label if a product is truly green. Greenwashing refers to the act of falsely marketing a product as sustainable when the product or manufacturing process is not eco-friendly. To help consumers avoid being misled by improper or false label claims, NSF International offers tips:

1. Look for meaningful claims. Be cautious of products making generic claims of "100% natural” or “environmentally friendly" with no backup.

2. Avoid products that make irrelevant claims, i.e. that a product is "CFC-free" (CFCs were banned more than 20 years ago).

3. Look for a seal or certification mark from a recognized, independent third-party specializing in green claims. Check with the certifier to verify the product is truly certified.

4. Check out the product’s packaging. While a product may be green, is the packaging green as well and can it be disposed of in an environmentally safe way?

5. Don’t be misled by pretty pictures or use of earthfriendly colors on product labels. Just because a product label shows a forest doesn’t mean the product inside is green.

6. Look at the ingredient list on the product. A long list of ingredients or ingredient names that are difficult to pronounce may be harmful to you or the environment.

7. Avoid products where fragrances are a key ingredient.

8. Read product usage instructions and avoid those that display warnings on the label, such as “caution” or “use in well-ventilated area,” which typically indicate that the product is hazardous to you and/or the environment.

9. Question percentage claims, such as “this product contains 50% more recycled content.” Fifty percent more than what?

10. Be cautious of hidden trade-offs. For example, many products today are more energy efficient but may still be produced from hazardous or non-recyclable materials.

For additional green living tips, contact the NSF Consumer Affairs Office at http:// www.nsf.org

or download our Green Living fact kit .

NSF International is an independent, not-for-profit public health organization that certifies products and writes standards for food, water and consumer goods. NSF has a 65-year history of protecting public health, safety and environment worldwide and is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment