The words ‘natural’, ‘organic’ and ‘sustainable’ are terms that people can instantly identify. It goes beyond the desire to have ingredients grown organically, but as consumers, we want the company’s to be ethically and socially aware. As the demand for natural ingredients and sustainable practices skyrockets, so do companies desire to push organic, green natural alternatives.
As the price of natural ingredients and resources depends on crop yield, global supply and demand, the additional costs of transport and quality testing added in, most companies will exaggerate how ‘green’ they are to hide this, a term commonly known as ‘Green Washing’.
So how to spot the brands that do this? Look beyond the front of the label – the place for all those marketing buzz words. Go straight to the back of the product where companies are required to list all the ingredients in their products.
Here are our quick tips for what to look out for when separating legitimate green, organic products from others.
- Know your logos – look for independent certifications you know are legitimate. BioGro, COSMOS, Certified Cruelty Free, Child Labour Free, ECOCERT Certified Organic, Environmental Choice, GE Free, NATRUE, Vegan Society Approved, Vegetarian Society Approved. We recommend learning them or keeping a picture on your phone. The word ‘organic’ is still loosely regulated in New Zealand, so do your homework.
- Scan the ingredients list – check what is actually in the product. Some brands include an ingredient’s scientific name with the common name in brackets. If the front claims to contain organic or plant-based ingredients, check it isn’t just one ingredient among 20.
- How to dispose - anything that’s compostable or biodegradable should be clearly labelled. Know your recycling numbers for your local council recycling collection or local composting facility.
- When you can, shop local - check out your local farmers markets, weekend markets or buy from people in your community. They want to sell to you, and they are often the growers or creators of the product. Most of the time they won’t come with certifications and accreditations as it is a lengthy process, but with the seller right there, you have the chance to ask and learn first-hand.
- Finally know your brands - check what you are looking for before you go shopping and don’t just take something at face value.