Environmental not-for-profit Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA), which runs the country’s only transparent and independently
audited multi-sector green certification program, released new environmental standards for cleaning products today.
GECA’s new standard is a response to the risk of suppliers overstating their green credentials by putting symbols or wording on their products which would lead consumer’s to believe they were environmentally friendly. “Putting a leaf, a globe or a smiley sun on your products does not make them good for the environment,” said GECA CEO Rupert Posner.
Mr Posner cited “biodegradable” and “phosphorus free” as two misleading claims found on cleaning products. “For many types of cleaning products phosphorus isn’t a common used ingredient, so the claim is pretty much irrelevant” said Mr Posner, adding “Almost all chemicals are degradable to some extent – what matters is how long it takes.”
GECA’s new standards will clarify claims, making it easier for consumer’s to purchase products which they can be sure are better for the environment.
The new GECA standards are shown by the tick of approval on the product, and ensure the products:
- Do not contain chemicals that cause cancer, genetic mutations, or reproductive damage – including formaldehyde and perchloroethylene.
- Are low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which contribute to air pollution as well as conditions such as asthma, allergies and headaches.
- Use either Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified palm oil, or offset palm oil use via GreenPalm. This limits the destruction of habitat for endangered species and protects peatlands, which are reservoirs for large amounts of CO2.
- Biodegrade quickly, reducing their persistence and impact on the environment.
- Contain no phosphorous and low levels of sodium, which contribute to environmental problems such as algal blooms and salinity.
- Only use enzymes and microorganisms which meet stringent health and safety requirements.
- Use minimal packaging, made of environmentally preferable materials.
- Do not make unsubstantiated claims, or ‘greenwash’.
- Are manufactured with minimised resource consumption and waste production.