Ecology and the quality of the products we use is increasingly important to us. This is not surprising. We are slowly learning how to be conscious consumers, for whom the quality of the clothes, cosmetics or food products we buy is more important than their price.
This is a good and optimistic forecast for the years to come. However, if we want to be 100% aware, we need to learn about the different types of labels found on eco products, which will make our choice easier, without the need for deeper analysis. Which labels are we talking about? Here’s a short list of the ones you should pay attention to when shopping ecologically.
This is the symbol most often found on cosmetics. It signifies that no animals were harmed during the testing process, and no animals were subjected to the pain of the experiments. It’s usually a rabbit placed in a black triangle. It is also often accompanied by the letter abbreviations BWC – Beauty Without Cruelty, and Animal Friendly. Sometimes we can also find simply a rabbit sign with the phrase Cruelty Free.
We can find this certificate primarily placed on food products, but not only. Textiles, cosmetics and various types of detergents also fall under it. It is an ecological mark created in France, also used throughout the European Union and about 70 countries outside it. Products with it on the label had to pass many different tests and meet the criteria for organic and ecological products. In addition to analyzing the composition of organic ingredients, the way the finished product is packaged is also taken into account.
This symbol consists of twelve stars of the European Union arranged in the shape of a leaf on a green background, or green stars on a white background. It is a mark that is awarded by the European Commission to organic products manufactured and distributed in the European Union. It is placed on the packaging of products that have been produced in one of the member states and, in doing so, meet the EU’s environmental standards.
The environmental mark denoting biodegradable packaging is a curled ribbon of paper topped with a small plant. It is for packaging that completely decomposes during composting and in the meantime does not release harmful substances into the environment. The certificate and label is awarded by DIN CERTCO – the German Institute for Standardization.
Also known as the European flower or daisy. We can find it, among other things, on light bulbs, washing machines, computers, cleaning products and those for personal hygiene, shoes, paints and varnishes. Interestingly, travel services can also be marked with it. It signifies that the product was manufactured in accordance with the strictest requirements adopted by the countries of the European Union, so it is safe for the environment.
We can find this symbol on packaging made of plastic or aluminum. Its presence is a signal that the packaging is intended for recycling and we should place it in the appropriate waste container. By choosing products marked in this way, we contribute to saving raw materials.
main photo: pexels.com/Gustavo Fring
