Making decisions and purchases is a part of every day life. To make more environmentally and socially conscientious purchases, check for certifications and product standards like the ones listed below:
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification
FSC certification ensures that products such as paper and furniture come from responsibly managed forests. The FSC, which operates in over 80 countries, developed 10 principles and 57 criteria that are required for certification. Principles include recognizing indigenous peoples’ rights, maintaining positive community relations, conservation of biodiversity, ongoing monitoring and assessment of forests, etc.
USDA Organic Certification
Organic certification helps to protect natural resources, conserves biodiversity, and ensures that products are only made with approved substances. To receive the certified organic label, products must be produced without genetic engineering, radiation, or sewage sludge and must follow the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, which prohibits most synthetic substances from being used. Finally, to be certified, a USDA National Organic Program-authorized certifying agent oversees the product.
Fair Trade USA Standard
Fair Trade aims to bring economic development and environmental stewardship to workers around the world by ensuring producers can fairly compete in international markets. The Fair Trade USA standards are meant to help producers progress and grow over time, and provide workers with adequate incomes using “Fair Trade prices and premiums”.
Replies