There are many ways to show our care for the earth. One way is to choose environmentally friendly products that have eco-labels. What's that eco-label? How can we utilize it to make better decisions? Let's discuss it!

What is an Eco-label?

An eco-label is a mark or certification given to products or services that meet certain standards in terms of environmental impact. This label proves that the product was produced more environmentally friendly, for example, by using more sustainable raw materials, a production process that saves energy, or the product can be recycled. In other words, eco-labels help consumers easily identify environmentally friendly products.

Commonly Found Types of Eco-labels

There are various types of eco-labels that we can find on the market. Each label has a different meaning. The most common ones are:

1. Environmentally friendly: This is a label that indicates environmentally friendly products based on various criteria set by the Indonesian Center for Environment and Energy (P2E) and the Ministry of the Environment.
2. Energy Star: We usually find this label on electronic devices such as refrigerators, washing machines, or ACs. This label indicates that the product meets high energy efficiency standards, so it uses electricity more economically.
3. Fair Trade: Products with this label are produced with attention to the welfare of workers and farmers, as well as environmental sustainability. Usually found in products such as coffee, chocolate, and textiles.
4. Rainforest Alliance Certified: This label indicates a production process that minimizes damage to tropical forest ecosystems and supports sustainable agricultural practices.
5. Leaping Bunny: This label ensures the product has not been tested on animals, so it is often found in cosmetics and personal care products.

Eco-labels in Household Products

The household products we use every day, from detergent to kitchen utensils, often have a significant environmental impact. As is eco-label, we can ensure that these products are produced in a more environmentally friendly way.

Here are some examples of household products that you often have an eco-label:

• Household Detergents and Cleaners: Products such as detergent, dish soap, and floor cleaners with eco-labels are usually formulated without dangerous chemicals that can pollute water or damage ecosystems. For example, the Eco-Friendly label indicates that the product is safe for the environment and humans.
• Home Electronic Equipment: Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, or microwaves with the Energy Star label are usually more energy efficient. Using this product not only reduces electricity bills but also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Tissue and Paper Products: Tissue, toilet paper, or kitchen paper with the Forest Stewardship Council or Rainforest Alliance Certified label ensures that paper raw materials are taken from sustainably managed forests. This helps reduce deforestation and protect biodiversity.

Tips for choosing products with an eco-label

Here are some simple tips to help you choose products with eco-labels:

1. Know the Trusted Labels: Make sure you understand what it means by the eco-label stated on the product. Look for information about the label and make sure it is internationally or nationally recognized.
2. Pay Attention to Product Details: Don't just focus on eco-labels. Also look at the materials used, the production process, and how the product can be recycled or safely disposed of.
3. Shop at stores that support environmentally friendly products: Choose to shop at stores or platforms that actively support eco-labeled products. These stores usually have a curated collection of products based on their environmental impact.
4. Choose Local Products: Choosing local products that have eco-labels can help reduce the carbon footprint of transportation and also support the local economy.

By understanding and utilizing eco-labels, we can be more responsible in choosing the products we use every day. Let's start with ourselves to choose products that are more environmentally friendly!