Steer Clear of Misrepresentation in Eco-Friendly Design Through These Ten Strategies
In the realm of home renovation, the search for eco-friendly products and materials has become a priority for many. Here's a practical guide to help you identify and avoid greenwashing, ensuring your home renovation projects are truly sustainable.
Emily Newton, a seasoned environmental writer and Editor-In-Chief of Revolutionized, shares her insights on this matter.
Greenwashing, a term coined to describe when a company claims to be more environmentally friendly than it actually is, is a concern for consumers. A recent CSR study reveals that 71% of people will stop buying a product if they feel they are being misled.
To combat greenwashing, focus on these key strategies:
- Be sceptical of vague "green" labels or marketing claims. These can often be misleading or unverified.
- Look for recognized third-party certifications, such as GECA, Declare, Greenguard, the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, or MAS Certified Green®. These certifications verify low toxicity, emissions, safety, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
- Seek transparency from manufacturers about product ingredients, sourcing, life cycle impacts, and testing. Genuine eco-friendly products provide detailed information.
- Use Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to consider the overall environmental impact of a product from raw materials to disposal, rather than relying on recycled content claims alone.
- Prioritise durable, repairable, and low-toxicity materials like natural timber, wool, bamboo, cork, and hemp. These materials reduce waste and promote healthier indoor environments.
- Check for energy-efficiency certifications if the product involves energy usage.
- Be aware that greenwashing can involve exaggerating or fabricating environmental benefits without proper proof. Look for verified data and certifications backed by testing.
By following these principles, you can select truly sustainable renovation products while avoiding misleading green marketing.
Moreover, natural alternatives like natural clay paints and plant-based stains can be considered as alternatives to traditional paints, while tropical houseplants can improve indoor air quality by removing toxins from the atmosphere. Low-VOC adhesives and paints minimize toxic emissions without compromising color or durability.
Lastly, consider the energy-efficient WaterSense-certified bathroom fixtures, which use at least 20% less water than standard models, and the WaterSense-labeled showerhead, which must use less than 2 gallons per minute and meet spray force and coverage standards.
In conclusion, with a bit of research and a critical eye, you can make informed decisions that contribute to a greener and healthier home environment.
- In the field of home renovation, the priority for many is finding eco-friendly products, with a focus on recognizing and avoiding greenwashing for truly sustainable projects.
- Greenwashing, a deceptive practice by companies that claim to be more environmentally friendly than they actually are, is concerning to consumers, as revealed in a recent CSR study showing that 71% of people will stop buying a product under such circumstances.
- To combat greenwashing, consumers should be sceptical of vague "green" labels or marketing claims, seek transparency from manufacturers about product ingredients, sourcing, life cycle impacts, and testing, and look for recognized third-party certifications such as GECA, Declare, Greenguard, the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, or MAS Certified Green®.
- By prioritizing durable, repairable, and low-toxicity materials like natural timber, wool, bamboo, cork, and hemp in home renovation projects, one can reduce waste and promote healthier indoor environments.
- To minimize toxic emissions and maintain color and durability, low-VOC adhesives and paints, and WaterSense-certified bathroom fixtures are beneficial choices for a sustainable home and garden lifestyle, contributing to sustainable living practices in the realm of environmental-science and climate-change.
