Certification
Summary
- Third-party certifications are not without their controversies but are a good first step
- Third-Party certifications are generally more reliable than self-verification
- Not all third-party certifications are equal
- Not all labels are legitimate (fraudulent) or third party certifications (Greenwashing tactic “false labels”)
- Some smaller companies, suppliers, and farms cannot afford certifications despite meeting or exceeding criteria
FAQ
Are any labels regulated in the U.S.?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) created standards for marketing environmental labels, dubbed “Green Guides.” The Green Guides provide a standard for narrow, specific terms. They are not the only reasonable interpretations of the marketing, but may be used in court to help determine if a claim is misleading or deceptive.
Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims | Federal Trade Commission
Reputable Certifications
Learn More
Independent Evaluators
- Good On You fashion
- Ethical Consumer general
- Seafood Watch seafood
- Sweat & Toil App | Department of Labor forced labor industries by country
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review cosmetics, personal care items
- Consumer Reports general
Industry Alliances
- Cascale
Other
- Climate Pledge Friendly Recognized Certifications page includes a detailed list of certifications Amazon includes in their Climate Pledge-Friendly certification.