Here’s how to find out if you’re buying environmentally friendly products

SALT LAKE CITY — From claims of recycled packaging to promises of carbon neutrality, brands across the market are working to appeal to environment-minded customers. But, how do you know you’re getting environmentally friendly products?

According to the National Resources Defense Council, over a third of consumers across the globe are willing to spend more on eco-friendly products. However, they aren’t all created the same. 

Here are some things to look out for in your search for environmentally friendly products: 

Ecolabels signify environmentally friendly products

The EPA places a series of stamps of approval, known as ecolabels, on products that meet different standards. Per the agency website, they may focus on a single attribute or the product’s entire purpose. They signify that the product or service is environmentally preferable. 

The following are listed as ecolabels by the EPA website: 

• Energy Star — signifying energy efficiency 
• Safer Choice — less toxic chemical ingredients 
• SmartWay —reduced transportation-related emissions
• Significant New Alternatives Policy – regulates substitutes for harmful chemicals in refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosol products
• Comprehensive Procurement Guideline — reduced material consumption
• Watersense — water efficiency

Other organizations also work to evaluate goods. For example, 1% for the Planet works to certify that companies have pledged 1% of gross sales to environment-conscious nonprofits. 

Companies bearing the mark of a Certified B Corporation status meet high standards of environmentally and socially conscious behavior. It should be noted that this one applies to a brand, not its individual products. 

When shopping for clothing and textiles, look for the Global Organic Textile Standard seal. For food, keep an eye out for USDA Organic and the Non-GMO Project labels. 

If you aren’t sure what a label means,  the EcoLabel Index provides information on 456 labels. 

GoodOnYou is another resource for finding environmentally friendly products. The fashion-focused website evaluates brands from across the world on their sustainability and ethics practices. 

Watch out for buzzwords and imaging 

According to the NRDC, just because a product’s packaging depicts nature, such as plants or animals, doesn’t mean it’s environmentally friendly. 

For example, plastic water bottles often depict flowing water and mountain scenery. However, these products are often associated with heavy plastic waste and pollution. 

Plastic water bottle debate

A 2021 lawsuit filed by Earth Island Institute alleged that BlueTriton Brands, a company that owns several bottled water brands, falsely marketed itself as environmentally friendly. Per the lawsuit, BlueTriton claimed its operations were sustainable when it had done very little to reduce plastic pollution. 

According to The Intercept, the company later said its claims weren’t false, “because they are ‘aspirational.'” 

In March 2022, BlueTriton Brands filed a motion to dismiss the case. It was denied. 

Two years later, in March 2024, both sides agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice. It is unknown if the case was settled for any monetary amount. 

When a case is dismissed with prejudice, it means it can not be refiled in the same court. 

If a product’s packaging is vague, sporting buzzwords like “natural” or “eco-friendly,” it may not be an environmentally friendly product. According to the NRDC, those terms have “no legal weight.” 

In those cases, doing additional research into the company’s environmental practices could shed more light. 

Finally, consider if the product can be repaired over time. The EPA recommends repairing products when buying new, when possible. If a product is made of cheap materials that wear down quickly, like many fast fashion items, it is likely not good for the environment. 

If buying environmentally friendly products new is not financially feasible, you may be able to procure one second-hand.