|
ECO-LABELING by Mark Ritchie |
Eco-Labeling is the two-step process used to determine when a product can display a special seal or mark signifying that it is less harmful to the environment than most other similar products. The two-steps are; 1) establishment of criteria, and; 2) certification that a product meets the criteria. Some eco-labels are sanctioned by governments. Some were initiated and function on a purely non-governmental basis.
There are two broad areas of ecolabeling; 1)"warning" labels and 2) "informing" labels. Warning labels are generally required by law as part of "consumers right to know" regimes. The best known examples are new California laws based on Proposition 65, requiring labels or signs warning when proven carcinogens are used in the production of a product. "Informing" labels are primarily for informational or educational. These labels are broadly divided between those that are "self-declared" and those confirmed by third party certification.
A number of interesting Websites have been created by ecolabelers and others, including:
1. The premier ecolabel in the United States is Green Seal
2. The largest sector where eco seals are being used today is in the organic food industry. Check out the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). Other good organic food labels are the Midwest Organic Alliance, and Cascadian Farms.
3. The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy monitors ecolabels on a global basis through a monthly newsletter and a Web page with lots of links to other pages.
4. The EU Eco-Label scheme is part of a broader EU strategy aimed at promoting sustainable production, consumption and development. The EU Eco-Label Homepage describes the Programme, documents product groups considered for the Label, answers questions, provides contact information and links to an EU Eco-Label newsletter.
5. The Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) is a non-profit association of ecolabelling organizations from around the world formed to improve, promote and develop the ecolabelling of products and services. Description of GEN, documents news and discussion, links to other ecolabelling sites and membership information.
Also see... The Centre for Environmental Labelling (CEL) is active in policy analysis and evaluation of environmental labelingprograms. CEL gathers and disseminates information regarding global ecolabeling programs. Includes news and notices, defines environmental labeling, links to country specific labeling programs and documents relevant resources.
Mark Ritchie is the President of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, in Minneapolis.