What Do Different Green-Certification Labels Mean?
By Sue Pierce
There are many different green and organic certifications that we now see on products and foods. As you work to create a home environment that is truly green and sustainable, it will be important to educate yourself about what the different labels mean. Some have more credibility than others so know which ones you want to rely on and which ones you want to disregard. For example, some certifications are by a third party who has no profit incentive in the product or food while others are done in-house by the manufacturer himself. Most of us would agree that we place more confidence in third party opinions. Following is a brief review of several green and organic certifications. You can go to their web site to get more information. This is just a sampling of such certifications as there are literally dozens out there and many more being created each year.
The Green Seal. Green Seal is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is to safeguard the environment and transform the marketplace by promoting environmentally responsible products. The Green Seal logo can be seen on many products including household cleaners and paints. Green Seal's paint standard is based on an assessment that includes raw materials, VOCs, and performance. "This approach is a little more comprehensive than something that's looking at just VOC content," says Christine Chase, Green Seal's director of science and standards. Green Seal relies on manufacturers' VOC measurements.
GreenGuard. The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is an industry-independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification ProgramSM. It establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments, and buildings. GEI's mission is to improve public health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air. As such, GreenGuard certifies paints and related interior design products that impact interior air quality. GreenGuard uses an environmental-chamber test to measure off-gassing from drying paint. Total VOCs must be detected only at trace levels to qualify for this certification. "You can have chemicals in paint that are exempt from current VOC regulations because they're not ozone-depleting but they still get emitted into the air and present an inhalation exposure," says GreenGuard founder Marilyn Black.
GreenSure. Green Sure is a certification program created by Sherwin-Williams and applied to its line of paints. This is an example of a certification program created and implemented by the manufacturer. Products with the Green Sure designation are designed and manufactured taking steps to reduce environmental impact and to meet or exceed the most stringent regulatory requirements. It is self-regulated by Sherwin-Williams and covers only Sherwin-Williams products.
National Organic Program. In the US, federal organic legislation defines three levels of organics. Products made entirely with certified organic ingredients and methods can be labeled "100% organic". Products with at least 95% organic ingredients can use the word "organic". Both of these categories may also display the USDA organic seal. A third category, containing a minimum of 70% organic ingredients, can be labeled "made with organic ingredients". In addition, products may also display the logo of the certification body that approved them. Products made with less than 70% organic ingredients can not advertise this information to consumers and can only mention this fact in the product's ingredient statement. As you choose cotton clothing for your family or make various food choices, a USDA Organic label can provide direction to you. There are many other organic certifications for you to check out, also.
Sue Pierce is the owner of Pierce and Associates, an energy planning and green facility consulting business that specializes in working with K-12 school districts wanting to create energy efficient and green sustainable environments for students. On a more personal level, she is married to Dean (for 33 years but who is counting!); a mother of four amazing sons; a mother-in-law to one (so far) adorable daughter-in-law; a new grandmother to one grandson (Gavin I love you!) and a woman with a passion for living life in a green organic and sustainable way. She pursues green living to both teach others and to continue to learn herself! Go Green! Live Sustainably! You can connect with Sue by going to her newest website at http://www.goinggreenmarketplace.com
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