Engaging in a sustainable lifestyle can be difficult when it comes to buying new items, how do you know if an item is sustainable? To answer this I have compiled a list of certifications often used within the UK which indicate that the company involves itself in sustainable practices. This is not a complete list, there may be some I have missed so feel free to share more in the comments for everyone to see!
Certified B Corporations strive for an equitable, inclusive and regenerative economy. These corporations take responsibility for their environmental and societal impacts through offering transparent processes, working to make them beyond positive. This certification is reserved for profit-orientated businesses
Fairtrade International provides farmers and workers with the respect large corporations often abandon. Striving towards sustainable development, those with the fairtrade certification offer their partnerships equitable pay with raised social and environmental standards
Organisations part of the Leaping Bunny Program provide products which are free of animal testing at each and every stage of production
The Vegan Society certification is given to products which are 100% vegan in the hope of making vegan products more accessible
The Forest Management Certification provided by FSC ensures organisations are sustainably using forests, i.e., local inhabitants (humans and animals) benefit from the action being taken whilst the organisation gains an economic reward
Similar to The Vegan Society, Certified Vegan is awarded to products which do not contain animal products or byproducts of animals, additionally, these products have not been tested on animals
PETA advocate for animal rights, stating that we as humans should not abuse and use animals for our own benefit. This certification shows businesses are devoted to providing ethical products which are easy to identify
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) promotes the use of organic materials to produce garments that enhance the environment and society
The EU Organic Logo is given to products organically made within the EU. To qualify, products must consist of at least 95% organic ingredients. Specifically, pre-packaged food products must show this logo if they meet the criteria, other products are optional.
With their focus on eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, Climate Neutral Certified organisations realise there is an immediate need for change. From suppliers to customer use, certified businesses must be committed to completely removing carbon emissions from their practices
Working to create a healthy and sustainable food system, the Regenerative Organic Alliance provide certification to those who work to regenerate soil and land, respect animal welfare and respect farmers to produce nutrient-rich yields
Ethy allows organisations to convey their sustainability achievements to customers, these align with the UN’s SDG. Each achievement within the focal firm receives its own symbol
The Rainforest Alliance strives for environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Possessing such a certification implies business practices are protecting and improving rainforests, climate, human rights, and livelihoods
A global network which supports people and the planet, those within the 1% for the Planet network are committed to donating 1% of their annual sales to environmental organisations
Whilst some of these certifications, such as 1% for the planet and B Corporations apply to businesses as a whole, some only apply to certain products within an organisation, e.g., the EU Organic Logo and The Vegan Society. It is worth bearing in mind that just because a product has a certification does not indicate that the organisation is sustainable, however, it is a step in the right direction and encouraging taking responsibility is necessary for positive change.
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