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How to Read the Green Labels Right
Label Claim: Organic
What bears this label?
Food, household cleaning products, fibers like cotton and wool, cosmetics, personal-care products, dry cleaners
What do the word(s) mean?
Ingredients are produced without most conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, growth hormones, antibiotics, bioengineering, etc.
Must this claim meet U.S. government standards?
Yes, for all listed products except dry cleaning. Look for the “USDA organic” seal— except on food, where “organic” is also legit.
If true, does this claim have environmental significance?
Yes. Helps reduce use of synthetic chemicals that can harm the environment and possibly create health risks.
Is it worth it?
Definitely. This label has the most impact on planet and family.Label Claim: Biodegradable
What bears this label?
Household cleaners, personal-care products, plastics
What do the word(s) mean?
After disposal, can decompose into substances that can safely be reabsorbed into the soil. Some manufacturers use the term more loosely (and less meaningfully.)
Must this claim meet U.S. government standards?
No. Some major retailers use Scientific Certification Systems, a private company, to certify claims; look for their seal. On plastics, the word you want to see is “compostable”.
If true, does this claim have environmental significance?
Yes. Reduces the longevity of waste and can help reduce pollution in soil and water.
Is it worth it?
Yes.Label Claim: Nontoxic
What bears this label?
Household cleaning products
What do the word(s) mean?
Ingredients pose no health risk.
Must this claim meet U.S. government standards?
No.
If true, does this claim have environmental significance?
Not much, since manufacturers and consumer-health activists sometimes disagree on what is safe.
Is it worth it?
No.Label Claim: Natural
What bears this label?
Food, household cleaning products, clothing, cosmetics, personal-care products
What do the word(s) mean?
For meat and poultry: minimally processed, with no artificial flavor, coloring, or chemical preservatives. For all the rest, no clear definition.
Must this claim meet U.S. government standards?
Yes, for meat and poultry; no, for everything else.
If true, does this claim have environmental significance?
Yes, for meat and poultry (cuts down on synthetic chemicals). For everything else, the definition is too loose for the claim to have meaning.
Is it worth it?
Worth it for meat and poultry; otherwise, not worth it.Label Claim: DEA free
What bears this label?
Household cleaning and personal-care products
What do the word(s) mean?
Does not contain DEA (diethanolamine), a substance linked to cancer in animal studies.
Must this claim meet U.S. government standards?
No.
If true, does this claim have environmental significance?
Link to cancer in humans has not been established, but you may consider DEA worth avoiding just in case.
Is it worth it?
Worth it, if you’re worried.Label Claim: Environmentally safe
What bears this label?
Household cleaning and personal-care products
What do the word(s) mean?
Not harmful to the environment.
Must this claim meet U.S. government standards?
No.
If true, does this claim have environmental significance?
Too vague. (Plus, even organic products aff ect the environment, because carbon-based energy is used to make and transport them.)
Is it worth it?
No.Label Claim: Sustainable
What bears this label?
Wood and paper products
What do the word(s) mean?
Made with renewable resources, such as forests harvested using methods to protect soil, water, and plant and animal life.
Must this claim meet U.S. government standards?
No. “Sustainable” can be misleading. Look for products with an FSC seal, granted by the Forest Stewardship Council.
If true, does this claim have environmental significance?
If you buy sustainable products, it may spur more companies to take better care of our forests.
Is it worth it?
Yes.Label Claim: No CFCs
What bears this label?
Household cleaning and personal-care products
What do the word(s) mean?
Does not contain CFCs (chlorofl uorocarbons), chemicals that damage the Earth’s protective ozone layer.
Must this claim meet U.S. government standards?
No.
If true, does this claim have environmental significance?
The EPA banned CFCs in consumer products decades ago. CFC-free products may (and sometimes do) contain other harmful ingredients.
Is it worth it?
No.Label Claim: No parabens
What bears this label?
Cosmetics and personal-care products
What do the word(s) mean?
Does not contain parabens (chemical preservatives commonly used in these products), which can interfere with endocrine function.
Must this claim meet U.S. government standards?
No.
If true, does this claim have environmental significance?
Possibly important. The FDA says parabens don’t pose a health risk at low levels. Some doctors suspect a possible link to breast cancer.
Is it worth it?
Worth it, if you’re concerned.Label Claim: Nonpolluting
What bears this label?
Household cleaning products.
What do the word(s) mean?
No clear definition.
Must this claim meet U.S. government standards?
No.
If true, does this claim have environmental significance?
Too vague to be meaningful. Look for organic and biodegradable products instead.
Is it worth it?
No.Label Claim: Recycled
What bears this label?
Primarily paper products and office supplies.
What do the word(s) mean?
Contains some recycled content.
Must this claim meet U.S. government standards?
No.
If true, does this claim have environmental significance?
Yes, if it contains “post-consumer content” (preferably 30 percent or more.)
Is it worth it?
Yes.
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