August 2023

Determining whether a company is truly clean and green, or environmentally conscious, involves evaluating various aspects of their practices, policies, and products. Here are some steps you can take to assess if a company is genuinely committed to being environmentally friendly:

1. Research and Transparency:

• • A clean green company should be transparent about its ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and product formulation. Look for information about where the company sources its ingredients and how it ensures the safety of its products.
  • Check if they provide clear information about their supply chain, sourcing practices, and manufacturing processes.
  • Companies genuinely committed to clean beauty often provide educational resources about the importance of ingredient safety and how to make informed choices.

2. Certifications and Labels:

1. • Look for recognised certifications and labels that indicate a commitment to sustainability, such as Ecocert, COSMOS (cosmetic organic and natural standard), Fair Trade, Certified B Corporation, Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free), and others.
   • Keep in mind that some certifications might be more relevant to certain industries or practices, so research what each certification entails.

3. Ingredients and Formulations:

• Some companies may market their products as clean while still using potentially harmful ingredients. Research and stay informed about specific ingredients to watch out for.
• Examine the ingredient lists of the company’s products. Look for recognisable, natural, and non-toxic ingredients.
• Avoid products that contain potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

4. Packaging Materials

• • Evaluate their packaging materials. Do they use recycled or biodegradable materials? Are they working to reduce excess packaging?
  • Look for efforts to minimise plastic usage, such as returnable or refillable options or using alternative packaging materials.

5. Carbon Footprint and Energy Usage:

• • Research whether the company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and energy consumption.
  • Check if they use renewable energy sources in their operations and facilities.

6. Waste Reduction and Recycling:

1. • Look for evidence of waste reduction strategies and recycling initiatives within their business operations.
   • Consider if they have take-back programs for their products and packaging to ensure proper disposal and recycling.

7. Community and Social Responsibility:

1. • Look to see whether the company is involved in community and social initiatives related to environmental conservation, education, or sustainability.

8. Customer Reviews and Reputation:

1. • Read customer reviews and testimonials to gauge how customers perceive the company’s environmental efforts.
   • Look for any controversies or negative feedback related to their sustainability claims.

9. Support for Environmental Causes:

• • Look for information about the company’s sustainability initiatives on their website. Many companies that prioritise sustainability will have dedicated sections discussing their efforts and goals.
  • Research whether the company supports or partners with environmental organizations or initiatives through donations, fundraising, or advocacy.

Remember that “greenwashing,” which is when a company falsely portrays itself as environmentally friendly without actually taking significant steps to be sustainable, can be a concern. Therefore, it’s important to critically assess the information available and look for consistent actions that align with the company’s claims.