The Importance of Eco Labelling

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As consumers are becoming more aware of environmental issues they are also becoming more informed as to how the items they purchase can make a difference. We are bombarded from all sides with product information and advertising concerning the health and environmental benefits of all types of goods and services. The question must be asked of whether or not these claims and seals of approval are always honest or if they are just a marketing tool. According to the Oxford dictionary, Eco labeling is the practice of marking products with a distinctive label to show that their manufacture conforms to recognized environmental standards. (Oxford Press) Greenpeace provides a definition of Greenwashing as the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service. ("What's This All About?") In other words, greenwashing is when a company, manufacturer or organization spends their money advertising and marketing their product or service as “green” rather than investing their money in research and development to actually minimize that product’s environmental impact. ("What is Greenwashing?") Eco-labeling has been used worldwide since the late 1970's. There are over thirty different labels and logos in use and the majority of organizations awarding the labels and certifications are run on a voluntary basis. These third parties review, test and evaluate products and services to determine if they meet the criteria they have established before bestowing their certification or approval. Germany's "Blue Angel" eco-label, the first national program in the world, was introduced in 1977. ("Hong Kong Green Label Scheme") Green Seal, a non-profit organization in the Unit... ... middle of paper ... ... N.p., 20 Mar 2014. Web. 14 Apr 2014. industry-18000-certified-organic-operations-in-the-u-s-alone/> Oxford Press, . "eco-labeling." Oxford Dictionaries - English. Oxford Press, n.d. Web. 8 Apr 2014. . Sheets, Connor Adams. "Is Wal-Mart Quietly Building an Organic Empire...." International Business Times. N.p., 12 Apr 2014. Web. 14 Apr 2014. . "What is Greenwashing?." Greenwashing Index - Help Keep Advertising Honest. Enviromedia Social Marketing, n.d. Web. 14 Apr 2014. . "What's This All About?." Stop Greenwashing. Greenpeace, n.d. Web. 14 Apr 2014. .

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