Celebrate World Earth Day this month (April22) by buying goods that are green. But with so many products claiming to be earth-friendly, organic and natural, how do we know if we’re really saving the earth?

Don’t be Duped
Terms like natural and eco-friendly are on everything these days. “But that means absolutely nothing,” says Diane MacEachern of theworldwomenwant.com. These terms haven’t been defined by the government, yet manufacturers use them without backing them up. Only a certified third-party endorsement on the label guarantees green. For instance, Green Seal verifies many household products. And those three arrows in a circle? They mean only that an item can be recycled, not that it’s made from reused materials.

What to Look Out For
Not all labels tell the truth. Dr. Jaca Cubrillo, spokesperson for Lavera Naturkosmetik, warns that a product with just one per cent of natural ingredients can be labeled ‘natural’. For products to be considered 100% organic or natural, it should have certification from an internationally recognized certification body like BDIH Foundation in Germany or ACO (Australian Certified Organics). Cosmetioc products, in particular, are notorious for containing ingredients that are synthetic and toxic even, so consumers looking to buy truly natural skin care products should be mindful of labeling claims.

Cotton doesn’t always mean it’s natural. “Just because cotton comes from a plant, doesn’t always make it a ‘natural’ product,” says Issy Richardson, founder of Belle and Dean, a line of organic clothing for women and children. Organic cotton clothing is made from organically grown cotton that’s free from pesticides and harmful chemicals and grown using natural farming methods that are safe for our environment. Again, look for certification like SKAL (Netherlands), Ecocert (Europe), USDA and Soil Association (UK).

source: Reader’s Digest Apr2008 issue, pg138

Tags: environment, health, tips