Environmentally friendly, eco-friendly, and nature friendly are synonyms used to refer to goods and services considered to inflict minimal harm on the environment.^[1] Because there is no international standard for this concept, the International Organization for Standardization considers such a label too vague to be meaningful.^[2]

In Canada one label is that of the Environmental Choice Program.^[3] Created in 1988,^[4] only products approved by the program are allowed to display the label.^[5]

Europe

Products located in members of the European Union can use the EU's Eco-label pending the EU's approval.^[6] EMAS is another EU label^[7] that signifies whether an organization management is green as opposed to the product.^[8] Germany also uses the Blue Angel, based on Germany's standards.^[3]

Oceania

The Energy Rating Label is a Type III label^[9][10] that provides information on "energy service per unit of energy consumption".^[11] It was first created in 1986, but negotiations led to a redesign in 2000.^[12]

International

Energy Star is a program with a primary goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.^[13] Energy Star has different sections for different nations or areas, including the United States,^[14] the European Union ^[15] and Australia.^[16]

Methods

Green Cleaning

Many of the chemicals inside our domestic and commercial cleaning products we use each day can harm the environment, our children and ourselves. Cleaning in a greener way is better for the environment, ourselves and our pockets.

Pest control

Integrated pest management is regarded as a more environmentally friendly form of pest control than traditional pesticides,^[17][18] as its goal is to reduce pesticide use to a minimum by using a variety of less impactive means, with pesticides only as the last resort. Biological pest control is another form of control considered by many experts to be environmentally friendly.^[19]

Waste management

Recycling and composting are viewed as more environmentally friendly forms of waste management than traditional burying or burning practices.^[20] The Edmonton Composting Facility in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in the largest composting facility in the world; representing 35% of Canada's centralized composting capacity.^[21] The $100-million co-composter results in Edmonton recycling 65% of its residential waste.^[21]

See also

• Design for Environment
• Environmental Choice Program
• Environmental enterprise
• Green brands

References

External links

• Greenline Index, Green Directory
• Eco-Schools
• Hugsmovement Eco Lifestyle
• Recycle Now
• Recycling Guide
• Global Action Plan - Go Green
• Ecofriendly Kids
• ecofriendlytourist.com
• Project: Greenify & Tips on Living Green Everyday