Beware of products and manufacturers that claim they are Green. This term is thrown around and can be misleading. Many products have been labeled “green” simply because they are recyclable. In the janitorial products category, there are accepted certifications such as Green Seal and Environmental Choice. These are not specific to a particular manufacturer or small group of manufacturers. However, in the food service disposables product category, currently there aren't any generally accepted certifications. Manufacturers who produce these items are looking to use innovative materials to make products from renewable resources, such as corn. Further, they are developing products that are biodegradable or compostable in certain conditions.
Green Seal™ - The Green Seal mark is an environmental logo awarded to products that are deemed environmentally preferable. In order to be Green Seal Certified, products and their makers must undergo a rigorous evaluation process focusing on the impact that each category of product will have on the environment from cradle to grave. The processes used to manufacture a product, its distribution, its contents and use through the end of its life cycle are all evaluated. The Green Seal may be used on packaging, in promotion material, in catalogs and in advertising that have been certified to meet the applicable standard. The Green Seal trademark is a guarantee that the product you are purchasing is truly a quality and environmentally preferable item.
Environmental Choice-EcoLogo™ is a recognized and well-respected environmental certification mark. EcoLogo is the second oldest and second largest eco-labeling program in the world. The certification extends over 300 categories of products and includes items such as cleaners, towels, tissue, and floor care products. EcoLogo focuses on a broad range of sustainability factors. Things such as resources needed to manufacture an item, to the emissions given off to the environmental impact the item will have when discarded are all meticulously reviewed during the certification process.
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