Finding Truly "GREEN" Products For You - Navigating The Sea Of Green

The demand for environmentally-friendly products is at an all-time high. This is not only in the building market but in the clothing and food industries as well. As the world wakes up to the lasting value and joy of using healthy building materials, we fully expect this trend to continue for a long time to come. But with this new demand, companies create buzzwords and claims that crashed over the retail market with a wave of greenwashing to stay competitive. We hear terms like "we're green", "Eco-friendly", "green certified", "environmentally friendly", and "green products" all the time these days. So what exactly is greenwashing and how can you navigate this sea of green products hitting the shelves? Here's some helpful info you can take to the bank!  

Greenwashing: "Disinformation disseminated by an organization so as to present an environmentally responsible public image." 

Seven Signs of Greenwashing

1. The Hidden Trade-off: A claim suggesting that a product is ‘green’ based on a narrow set of attributes without attention to other important environmental issues. Paper, for example, is not necessarily environmentally-preferable just because it comes from a sustainably-harvested forest. Consider the other important environmental issues in the paper-making process, such as greenhouse gas emissions, or chlorine use in bleaching may be equally important.

2. 

   No-Proof: An environmental claim that cannot be substantiated by easily accessible supporting information or by a reliable third-party certification. A common example is products that claim various percentages of post-consumer recycled content without providing evidence. 

3. Vagueness: A claim that is so poorly defined or broad that its real meaning is likely to be misunderstood by the consumer. ‘All-natural’ is an example. Arsenic, uranium, mercury, and formaldehyde are all naturally occurring, and poisonous. ‘All natural’ isn’t necessarily ‘green’.

4. False Labels: A product that, through either words or images, gives the impression of third-party endorsement where no such endorsement exists; fake labels, in other words. 

5. 

   Irrelevance: An environmental claim that may be truthful but is unimportant or unhelpful for consumers seeking environmentally preferable products. ‘CFC-free’ is a common example, since it is a frequent claim despite the fact that CFCs are banned by law.

6. Lesser of Two Evils: A claim that may be true within the product category, but that risks distracting the consumer from the greater environmental impacts of the category as a whole. Organic cigarettes could be an example of this, as might the fuel-efficient sport-utility vehicle.

7. Fibbing: Environmental claims that are simply false. The most common example is products falsely claiming to be Energy Star certified or registered.

So now that you know the top greenwashing tactics used how do we find the truly green products you need? Here are the top 4 questions to ask before you make your purchase. If you can't find and these answers on your product's supplier website, then they might not be as green as you think.

What am I buying?

When it comes to buying heavy-duty items like building materials, stripping and cleaning chemicals, or automotive care products, a little more consideration into what you're buying goes a long way. Look for safety data sheets or SDS info on these types of products and find out what health and environmental impacts these products really pose. Will it create pollution when used or discarded?

Where is it made?

Supporting local companies has many benefits including strengthening the local economy and reducing environmental impact. Local businesses recirculate a greater share of every dollar in the local economy, as they create locally owned supply chains and invest in their employees. These businesses often make more local purchases for their products too, requiring less transportation and outsourcing. They typically consume less land, locate closer to residents and create less traffic and air pollution. All of this leads to less congestion, less habitat loss and less negative impact on the environment.

How is it made?

Take the logistics and production process into consideration. For example, you may purchase a green product made out of recycled goods. However, if that product was made with environmentally harmful methods, it make not be as green and sustainable as you may think. Truly green products are manufactured using toxic-free ingredients and environmentally-friendly procedures and are certified by recognized organizations like Energy star, Forest Stewardship Council, etc.

How is it packaged?

Some products are eco-friendly from one perspective but not from another. For example, they may be made of recycled materials but include lots of unnecessary or non-recyclable packaging. Green packaging typically is locally sourced and made from recyclable materials. It reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. 

When we make the effort to identify and support companies producing truly green products, it fosters a retail market with continuous improvement towards consumer and environmental health. Sustainability and environmental improvements are a collaborative efforts. Your purchase choices can make a real difference. By supporting companies implementing changes for the better, you will have a smaller carbon footprint and help reduce the number of toxins released into the environment. Future generations ultimately benefit from improved air and water quality, and fewer landfills.

EZ Strip is one such company that makes product transparency a priority. They provide truly environmentally friendly paint removal products, share SDS info, and break down how their company and products are safer for consumer health and the environment. Visit EZstrip.ca today and get truly green removal products that you can count on.