Eco labels

Some government agencies have developed labels and lists of products that are safer for human health and the environment.  These labels and lists can guide you when you buy products and in some cases, services as well. These labels make it easier to make environmentally friendly choices, because someone else has already done the research.  Beware, however, of generic labels like “natural” and “green”, because there are no standards that define these labels or the products that wear the labels. The U. S. EPA has a Safer Choice program, which provides lists on a website and has also developed the Safer Choice label that can be found on cleaning products that meet the standards.  Information can be found at www.epa.gov/saferchoice.  The European Union has a labeling program, called Ecolabel, that is awarded to products and services meeting high environmental standards throughout their life-cycle from raw material extraction, to production, distribution and disposal. The Ecolabel has been awarded to thousands of different products across Europe, including soaps and shampoos, baby clothes, paints and varnishes, electrical goods and furniture, as well as services, like hotels and campsites. Information on the Ecolabel can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel. Canada also has a labeling system called Ecologo that certifies products that meet standards throughout their lifecycle from creation through disposal.  More information can be found at http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/oca-bc.nsf/eng/ca02523.html.  The EnergyStar program and label identify appliances, buildings, and other items that are designed to be more energy-efficient.  Information on EnergyStar can be found at www.energystar.gov.  I noted that Canada has an EnergyStar website at www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/energystar.