Ecolabelling

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SVTC HOME > CLEAN COMPUTER CAMPAIGN > GREEN DESIGN > WHAT IS AN ECOLABEL?

What is an Ecolabel?

Ecolabels define a product as adhering to pre-defined criteria. When consumers see ecolabels such as

they know the product meets a certain energy efficiency that is deemed to be acceptable by the US EPA. Many types of organizations including governments, nonprofit and for profit organizations and companies producing consumer items have their own ecolabels. If a consumer decides to rely on ecolabels to guide purchasing decisions, they should scrutinize the criteria to be sure it reflects their concerns.

Many types products from paint to paper to computers are evaluated by ecolabeling organizations worldwide. Many countries have ecolabeling schemes that include both desktop and portable computers in their labeled products. The following are the most popular ecolabels and are members of the Global Ecolabeling Network.

European Union

Germany "Blue Angel"

Norway "Nordic Swan"

Sweden "TCO"

Criteria Comparison of 4 above ecolabels.

Eco-labels for desktops

Eco-labels for laptops

Some SVTC Publications related to Green Design

Poison PCs, Toxic TVs

Report Card 2000

Report Card 1999

Just Say No to E-waste

Strategies for Cleaner Production

Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition 760 N. First Street San Jose, CA 95112 Phone: +1 408-287-6707
Fax: +1 408-287-6771 e-mail: svtc@svtc.org