Ch 3: Certified Green
Understanding Environmental Certifications
Written and designed by volunteers: Tanishka, Aabida, D.Divinia, and Natalie
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest products come from responsibly managed forests. This includes protecting biodiversity, preventing deforestation, respecting Indigenous rights, and ensuring fair labor conditions. FSC-certified products also carry one of three labels: FSC 100% (entirely from certified forests), FSC Recycled (made from reused materials), or FSC Mix (a blend of FSC-certified and controlled sources). The FSC label can be found on items like paper, furniture, and packaging.
Rainforest Alliance Certification
Rainforest Alliance Certification signifies a product has been produced using methods that support environmental, social, and economic sustainability. More specifically, the certification ensures that farms and forests meet rigorous standards for conserving biodiversity, protecting natural resources, ensuring fair treatment and good working conditions for workers, and promoting climate-smart practices. It is commonly found on products like coffee, tea, chocolate, bananas, and timber.
GreenBlue Recycle Material Standard (RMS)
The Recycled Material Standard (RMS) is issued by GreenBlue to certify that products contain genuine, traceable recycled materials. It sets rigorous standards for companies to verify the source and use of recycled content throughout their supply chain. This certification is important for building trust, reducing greenwashing, and supporting a transparent circular economy. You'll often find it used in packaging, textiles, and manufacturing sectors where sustainability is key.
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) Certification
The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is North America’s leading certifier of compostable products and packaging. BPI certification ensures that products labeled as compostable break down fully in commercial composting facilities without leaving toxic residue, supporting environmental sustainability. It helps prevent greenwashing by providing trusted third-party verification, which is essential for maintaining clean compost streams. You’ll typically find BPI-certified items like food service products and packaging in the food and beverage industry, helping divert waste from landfills and promoting a circular economy.
