With environmental factors now a forerunner in the manufacturing of consumer goods, some detective work is needed to decipher the designated labels. Learning the labels can help us choose the best products to put in our cart – and which to leave behind at the shopping mart.
Biodynamic®
Biodynamic® farming is free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, similar to organic farming. The difference, though, is a Biodynamic® farm is managed as a living organism. This type of farming emphasizes balancing holistic development and interrelationship of the soil, plants, animals as a closed, self-nourishing system.
For more information: Demeter-USA
Cage-free
Cage-free animals are exempt from cages, but that doesn’t mean they are necessarily in better surroundings – they still might be in cramped corners with many other animals.
EcoLogo
The EcoLogo is managed by TerraChoice Environmental Marketing, Inc., and has been in play since 1988. With this label, it ensures that products meet various eco-standards, having a lower impact than similar products. Criteria is product-specific, but include areas such as energy, recyclable material, and hazardous substances, and are assessed across all stages of their development.
Fair Trade Certified
TransFair Canada is a non-profit certification and public education organization promoting fair trade. These items can include items such as food, personal care, clothing and gifts. The focus on Fair Trade is primarily social justice, such as fair wages for
workers, no sweatshops, good working conditions, and improved social services. More often than not, they also focus on eco-friendly production practices.
Forest Stewardship Council Certified
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an internationally known non-profit organization that works to prevent illegal exploitation, poor management, and degradation and
destruction of forests. This label is found on wood products, such as flooring and furniture, and paper products. The label ensures that standards are met, such as complying with their laws, respecting indigenous peoples’ rights, reducing eco-impact, and sharing the benefits from the forest.
Free-range
Free-range animals have access to open outdoor spaces, referring to livestock and domestic poultry.
Grass-fed
Grass-fed farming uses cage-free and free-range ideas: raises livestock in open areas so they are free to roam. In addition, they often are primarily fed grasses and plants, and often hormone and antibiotic free, although there are no guidelines.
Made in Canada, but….
Made in Canada, on the other hand, is literally when the final product was assembled in Canada. The sentence is usually followed with a qualifying statement, such as “Made in Canada from imported ingredients”, if only the final production step was completed in Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulates this.
Marine Stewardship Council Certified
The Marine Stewardship Council is an international non-profit organization that focuses on certifying and labeling sustainable seafood, including fresh, frozen, and processed products. This labeling ensures that fish stocks aren’t exploited, fisheries are properly managed, all laws are met, and the eco-impact of the fishery is at a minimum.
For more information:
Organic/Certified Organic 
We see it all of the time, but do we know what it really means? The term “organic” or “certified organic” appears on everything from bananas to toothpaste, but what does it tell us about the product?
Basically, organic products are developed to meet a set of regulations to the specific country or region. In Canada (starting June 30, 2009), the Organics Product Regulations come into effect. This means that the product’s content must be at least 95% organic. In addition, ingredients cannot be genetically modified, animals (if applicable) must be raised naturally, and no antibiotics and hormones can be used. The products will be labeled Canada Organic and “Biologique Canada”.
In the U.S., there are similar guidelines put in place by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Organic products are minimally 95% organic. If labeled “USDA 100% Organic”, then they are completely organic. Foods labeled “Made with Organic Ingredients” are certified and must contain at least 70% organic ingredients and cannot be made with radiation.
Product of Canada
When 98% or more of the major ingredients, processing and labour used for the food is in Canada, it can be claimed as a Product of Canada
Sustainable Agriculture Labels
Sustainable farming aims to practice farming by reducing or eliminating the use of chemicals, as well as by nurturing the soil using natural methods. A sustainable agriculture label is a step up from simple reduction of pesticide use. Some programs focus on other aspects also, such as the maintenance of original ecosystems (like the Rainforest Alliance) or sustainable communities (like the Food Alliance)
Images courtesy of each organization’s official website
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Discussion Take a look at what is being said about this article.
Mike, on March 25th, 2009 says:
Thanks for the into!
Jenny, on March 25th, 2009 says:
there are way toooooooo many! It should just say, “Pick this!” “Don’t pick this!”
Smith, on March 25th, 2009 says:
Ha! Only if everything was labeled as such in life.