Ecolabels: Choose green
BADGE OF MERIT The GCP (Green Choice Philippines) seal guarantees that a product is environmentally safe, and serves as a shopping guide for consumers. —Contributed photo
MANILA, Philippines — In recent years, the shift to sustainability has become more evident, with consumers becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their consumption habits and many now willing to pay extra for sustainable alternatives.
As such, it has become common to see products labeled as “eco-friendly,” “biodegradable,” “100% recyclable,” and “produced sustainably.”
There are companies, unfortunately, who merely ride on this trend by intentionally misleading and tricking consumers into thinking they are making “greener” choices.
The United Nations Environment Programme defines “greenwashing” as a deceptive type of marketing that misleads consumers regarding a company’s environmental practices in the making of its product or service. Engaging in this practice is dangerous as it erodes consumer trust, hinders solutions to the climate crisis, and encourages harmful practices.
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Greenwashing can sometimes be hard to spot since it can take many forms. Products, for instance, may be vaguely labeled as “eco-friendly” without any support for the company’s claim. Or companies may reveal only partial truths to make their process look more “sustainable.” Some products are also described as “made from recycled materials,” but the manufacturing process itself involves significant harmful emissions. Or companies may employ logos, labels, and symbolisms of greens, plants, and nature elements to make their products look “environment friendly” or “100% natural.”
Legit product markers
What can consumers and producers do in the face of greenwashing? Fortunately, ecolabels exist.
Ecolabels are tags carried by environmentally preferable products or services, signifying their overall favorable environmental impact from acquisition of raw materials to the production, use, and disposal of the products.
Unlike greenwashing symbols, ecolabels are certified and legitimate product markers based on vigorous testing and verification processes by recognized standards such as ISO 180 and Philippine National Standards.
The Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), with 39 members representing nearly 60 nations, sets the benchmark for ecolabel excellence globally.
The National Ecolabelling Programme-Green Choice Philippines (NELP-GCP) is a member of GEN and one of the trusted ecolabel providers in the country. It is currently chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, co-chaired by the Department of Trade and Industry, and administered by the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc.
The GCP seal provides transparent information and serves as a shopping guide for consumers on the eco-friendly choices available in the market for their daily needs. Currently, there are 45 GCP-awarded products and services spanning different industries, from tissue paper and cleaning materials to packaging products, air conditioners and refrigerators, and restaurants.
There are other tools and practices used to promote responsible consumption and production, among them eco-design, life cycle assessment, green procurement, sustainability reporting, and environmental management systems.
Companies are encouraged to observe clean production processes and apply for ecolabels. Consumers, on the other hand, must familiarize themselves with the verified ecolabeled products and services in the market.
The next time you go to a store or supermarket, always check the product label or seal. We can all do our part to promote sustainable production and consumption, and healthy living for all. /cb
Rainielle Anne E. Borican and Trisha Mae U. Catapang are with the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc.
