7 Ways to Spot Fake Eco-Friendly Products

Some companies pretend to be environmentally friendly, all-natural, and many other “green” things. All of us can be greenwashed at some point. So when you’re going grocery shopping or choosing a detergent, bear in mind that seeing birds and leaves on the packaging doesn’t mean you’re holding an eco-friendly product in your hands.

Bright Side is here to help you choose the best products for you and your home.

1. Beware of fake certifications.

Certifications are signs that prove a product fulfills the claims it makes. It’s important to take a thorough look at labels. This way, you make sure that you aren’t falling for false promises. The most popular certifications that you can trust are Fair Trade, USDA Certified Organic, GOTS, Bluesign, and many others.

2. Stay away from “free of phosphates” detergents.

No, your detergent doesn’t contain phosphates. However, there’s no point in mentioning that since phosphates were removed from them a long time ago. Phosphate-free detergents are common and now considered to be the norm.

3. Don’t fall for buzzwords.

The most common buzzwords are “natural,” “eco-friendly,” “organic,” etc. Companies intend to attract environmentally-conscious consumers. Nevertheless, words are just words, and it’s better to check special websites and see if the company that sells your product is actually eco-minded.

4. Do your research.

Some companies use particular environmentally friendly aspects of their product and emphasize it at all costs to hide other negative qualities. Yes, it might use eco-materials, however, during the production, greenhouse gases might be released or tons of plastic might be disposed of. Another warning sign is when a company only focuses on “eco” collections and doesn’t improve their business model.

5. Look out for typical designs.

Watch out for natural colors, the look of recycled paper, plants, and buzzwords. Dishonest companies try to make their product as aesthetically pleasing as possible. For example, animals on the packaging are supposed to make us think that a product is beneficial to wildlife. Meanwhile, natural food elements are shown to impose the belief that the ingredients were grown on a farm.

6. Contact companies.

It’s never too late to ask a company about its values. Just send them an e-mail asking them to clarify. If a company is truly dedicated to its mission, it will have no problem giving you more details about its products and goals.

7. Look at the bigger picture.

Don’t just focus on the product itself. Make sure to find out how a company deals with packaging, production, and design. All the little things matter and, if combined, they can truly reflect a company’s approach and standards.

How do you spot fake eco-friendly products? How did you find out that a product was not environmentally friendly after you already purchased it?