Several wonderful green certification programs have emerged as well-respected, trusted names. Similar to the Good Housekeeping Seal, these programs give you some assurance of product claims.
The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label and Green Label Plus
The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has created Green Label and Green Label Plus, an independent testing program that identifies carpets with very low emissions of harmful chemicals, know as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). With all the health issues concerning carpeting, the CRI Green Label is a guarantee of low chemical emissions. The higher Green Label Plus certification ensures you’re getting the lowest emissions available.
You can find out more about the Green Label program at http://www.carpet-rug.org.
Courtesy of GLP
Forest Stewardship Council
The FSC seal of approval is something you’ll find on wood products certifying that wood has been sustainably harvested, meaning the forests have been protected to last for future generations. Look for the FSC logo (shown in Figure 5-3) as the greenest choice in purchasing wood products. (For more information on the FSC, check out Certified Wood)
You can find out more at http://www.fscus.org .
The FSC logo identifies products which contain wood from well-managed forests certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council. © 1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C.
GREENGUARD
GREENGUARD is an independent organization that has developed standards for adhesives, appliances, ceiling, flooring, insulation, paint, and wall-covering products. The GREENGUARD logo indicates interior materials with low chemical emissions.
You can find out more at http://www.greenguard.org .
Green Seal
Green Seal’s environmental standards for paints, household cleaners, and window products date back to the mid-1990s, and the products are independently tested so there’s no bias. The Green Seal logo indicates the product has gone through the rigorous Green Seal testing standards. The seal is used on paints, paper, cleaners, and even on hotels to certify the overall environmental quality.
For more information, go to http://www.greenseal.org .
Scientific Certification Systems
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has developed a certification program for environmentally preferable products and services, such as adhesives and sealants, cabinetry and casework, carpet, doors, flooring, paints, and wall coverings. Shown in Figure 5-6, the SCS logo is an independent certification that the product lives up to its environmental claims, including the amount of recycled content and the amount of chemicals released.
Go to http://www.scscertified.com for more information.
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