We live in times when the pressure to make conscious eco-friendly purchases is growing. The terms “eco” and ‘organic’ are used in all contexts and, unfortunately, are often misused. Not everything that is called “eco” is actually eco-friendly. We are often simply being deceived. How can we prevent this and make truly eco-friendly purchases when choosing products for ourselves and our children?
Eco-products... it's not so obvious
There are regulations that allow a product to be labeled as eco-friendly. Eco-friendly products are those that are manufactured using methods that respect the natural environment. This means, among other things, that the company does not use chemicals or substances that could negatively affect plants, animals, air, soil, water bodies, and the climate during the production process.
What is more, eco-friendly products must themselves be environmentally and human-friendly. This means that they cannot contain substances that are harmful to nature and people. The more direct contact we have with them, the more restrictive the conditions they must meet.
Unfortunately, the word “eco” sometimes appears in the context of products that do not meet specific guidelines and standards. The word “eco” or a green leaf on the packaging is not yet a confirmation that a product is organic. This requires a specific explanation and confirmation, e.g., with an appropriate quality certificate.
How to shop organically?
Eco-friendly shopping is a complex process that is not limited to choosing certified eco-products. Conscious choices are one thing, but how we approach shopping and how we prepare for it is another.
Whether you are shopping for groceries or hygiene products, always make a shopping list. Not having one increases the risk of wasting products that we simply do not need (we buy them on impulse) or that are no longer usable after a certain period of time due to their short shelf life.
If you shop in a brick-and-mortar store, take a reusable bag with you. Another plastic bag means more waste. Also, pay attention to how the products you choose are packaged. The best packaging is no packaging! If packaging is necessary, check that it is recycled and recyclable. How can you tell? It has the appropriate labeling, such as the “Made for Recycling” certificate, like the packaging of our bamboo diapers.
Are certified products eco-friendly products?
It depends on the certificate. All eco-friendly products should also be CERTIFIED PRODUCTS. This is information for consumers that they are consciously choosing a good, safe, and tested product. We all deserve access to information about materials and the entire production process. Currently, the most comprehensive and reliable eco-certification is the EU Ecolabel – if you are looking for the most “environmentally friendly” disposable diaper option, our “cotton diapers,” i.e., Bambiboo Cottonwear diapers, will meet your expectations.
We care about access to information about our diapers. These are certified products that have undergone detailed testing and passed with flying colors. What certificates prove that these products have a minimal negative impact on the environment?
- · Made for Recycling (bamboo fiber diaper packaging)
- · TÜV Austria OK biobased ** (diapers with bamboo fiber)
- · EU Ecolabel (diapers with organic cotton)
- · The Seal of Cotton and cotton enhanced™ (diapers with organic cotton)
- · The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) (applies to cellulose pulp in the absorbent core of bamboo fiber diapers and organic cotton diapers
- · Blauer Engel (organic cotton diapers)
We encourage you to make conscious purchasing decisions. Remember, “eco” is not always eco, sometimes it's just... eco-washing. Check whether the product you choose has a certificate confirming its eco-friendliness. Look for labels on packaging and be more inquisitive.
