Focus: Choose wisely with Environmental Choice

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For those that think eco-friendly policies are a new fad, try this on for size: the Environmental Choice accreditation mark has been around for 20 years.

It is among the most stringent eco-labelling organisations in the world; when a product is sporting the mark on its packaging, consumers can be sure of the rigour gone into the process.

Created to help consumers and businesses find products that ease the burden on the environment, Environmental Choice is the only multiple criteria government-backed eco labelling mark in New Zealand.

Environmental Choice is for both for the home and the workplace, and covers a broad range of products and services (see sidebar). For home use, the mark aims to help eco-conscious consumers to make informed choices, while businesses with a view to decreasing their footprint can include the products and services in their procurement process.

The companies and products showing the mark have been audited to ensure that their operations minimise the adverse environmental impacts generated by the production, distribution, use and disposal of products.

In contrast to "green" symbols or claim statements developed by manufacturers and service providers, Environmental Choice is awarded by an impartial third party - The New Zealand Ecolabelling Trust - in relation to certain products or services that are independently determined to meet environmental leadership specifications.

In a world of complex product science, and often vague or hard-to-understand environmental claims, strong eco-labels such as Environmental Choice New Zealand offer a sure, simple guide to a better purchasing choice of environmental products.

Living green, buying eco-friendly products to create a green home or work place promotes health for you, your family and colleagues. Not only does it have the potential to improve the quality of the environment, but it also encourages the sustainable management of resources.

Work in progress
The technical specifications which products must meet to be licensed to use the Environmental Choice label are the foundation of the programme. But those specifications are continually evolving, and Environmental Choice is always looking to add new products.
Product ranges with Environmental Choice certification

Printers, copiers, faxes and consumables
Paper products - office paper/stationery; sanitary paper products
Paints
Furniture and fittings
Fitness centre services
Textiles, skins and leather
Cleaners and detergents - hand dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents, general purpose cleaners, floor care products, commercial and institutional cleaners, commercial and institutional laundry detergents, machine dishwashing detergents.
Cleaning services
Toiletry products
Recycled plastic products
Recycled rubber products
Flooring - wool and wool-rich pile carpets; synthetic carpets, floor coverings
Laminates and wood panels
Gypsum plasterboard products
Thermal building insulates
Long steel products for construction
Find out more at environmentalchoice.org.nz