GreenSources
Shopping sustainably can feel overwhelming without the right information, but this page simplifies the process. Here, you'll find key certifications to look for, making it easier to identify eco-friendly products and ethical companies to support. These certifications serve as trusted indicators, helping you make informed choices that align with your values.
U.S. Government Certifications
The U.S. Government has its own set of certifications and regulations federally and at the state level to look out for when trying to shop for sustainable products and brands, including but not limited to:
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Energy Efficiency
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Water Efficiency
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Sustainable Building Practice
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Production & Trade
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Environmental Sustainability & Human Consumption
Energy
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Energy Star
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Administered by: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE)
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Focus: Energy efficiency in products, buildings, and industrial facilities.
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Description: Certifies energy-efficient appliances, electronics, lighting, and buildings, ensuring they meet energy-saving standards.
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Link: Energy Star Program
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SmartWay Certification
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Administered by: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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Focus: Energy-efficient transportation and emission reduction.
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Description: SmartWay focuses on improving transportation efficiency by certifying freight logistics and reducing fuel consumption.
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Link: SmartWay Program
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Water
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WaterSense
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Administered by: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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Focus: Water efficiency.
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Description: Certifies water-efficient products like faucets, toilets, and showerheads, ensuring they use at least 20% less water than standard models.
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Link: EPA WaterSense
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Building
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LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
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Administered by: U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
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Focus: Green building and sustainable construction practices.
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Description: Provides certification for buildings and communities designed with sustainability goals such as energy efficiency, water efficiency, and waste reduction.
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Link: LEED Certification
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Cradle to Cradle Certified™
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Administered by: Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute
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Focus: Circular economy and product lifecycle sustainability.
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Description: Assesses building materials and other products based on sustainability, including material health, circularity, clean air, and water stewardship.
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Production & Trade
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Fair Trade Certified
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Administered by: Fair Trade USA, with U.S. government recognition
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Focus: Ethical and sustainable trade.
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Description: Certifies that products (like coffee, tea, and chocolate) meet environmental and social standards, including fair wages for workers and responsible environmental practices.
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Link: Fair Trade USA
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Environment
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Design for the Environment (DfE)
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Administered by: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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Focus: Safe chemical use in consumer products.
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Description: Certifies cleaning products and chemicals that meet the EPA’s safety and environmental performance criteria, ensuring they are safe for human health and the environment.
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Link: DfE Program
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Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification
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Administered by: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) with U.S. government recognition
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Focus: Sustainable forestry.
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Description: Certifies wood and paper products that come from responsibly managed forests, ensuring minimal impact on biodiversity and prevention of deforestation.
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Link: FSC Certification
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Sustainable 3rd Party Accreditations
Energy, Carbon Emissions, & Sustainable Products
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Certified B Corporation
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Administered by: B Lab
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Focus: Social and environmental performance.
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Description: Certifies companies across industries that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental impact, accountability, and transparency.
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Link: Certified B Corporation
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Carbon Trust Standard™
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Administered by: The Carbon Trust
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Focus: Carbon reduction and energy efficiency.
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Description: Certifies organizations that measure, manage, and reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across operations.
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Link: Carbon Trust Standard
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TCO Certified™
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Administered by: TCO Development
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Focus: Sustainable electronics.
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Description: Certifies devices like computers and smartphones, prioritizing energy efficiency, lifecycle responsibility, and fair labor practices.
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Link: TCO Certified
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Environment
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Rainforest Alliance Certified™
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Administered by: Rainforest Alliance
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Focus: Ethical agriculture, forestry, and tourism practices.
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Description: Evaluates farms, forests, and tourism operations to ensure sustainable practices that protect biodiversity, support local communities, and promote worker welfare. Covers products like coffee, chocolate, and timber.
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Green Seal Certified™
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Administered by: Green Seal
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Focus: General products and services sustainability.
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Description: Certifies products and services like cleaners, construction materials, and personal care items based on strict environmental standards, emphasizing performance, health, and eco-friendly practices.
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Link: Green Seal Certified™
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Production & Trade
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Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)™
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Administered by: Biodegradable Products Institute
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Focus: Compostable products and packaging.
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Description: Certifies items like bags and packaging that meet ASTM standards for industrial compostability.
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Sustainable Business Practice
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Leaping Bunny™
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Administered by: Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC)
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Focus: Cruelty-free cosmetics and personal care.
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Description: Certifies brands that meet strict cruelty-free standards, ensuring no animal testing occurs across their supply chain.
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Link: Leaping Bunny
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Green Business Benchmark (GBB)™
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Administered by: Green Business Bureau
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Focus: Small and medium-sized business sustainability.
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Description: Certifies businesses implementing green initiatives like energy reduction and eco-friendly office policies.
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Link: Green Business Bureau
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There are many certifications to explore, but these are a great starting point! Also, keep an eye out for local, state, and federal laws that may impact your decisions, such as regulations on food waste or water usage.
Want to dive deeper into sustainable shopping and learn how to avoid falling for greenwashing? Check out our post "Greenwashing: What It Is and How to Avoid It"
