Wondering what sustainable food labels really mean? This guide shares information about reliable sustainable food labels you can trust.
Shopping to reduce your “food footprint” can be tricky. With so many food labels, logos, and certifications claiming that foods are sustainably produced, certified organic, or humanely raised, how do you know what they mean or if they’re legitimate? It’s a real concern because some food labels guarantee that the food has been raised and produced in a way that may align with your values, while others only suggest certain standards are met or certain practices are used – no guarantee. You’ve probably seen an amazing selection of these sustainable food labels when you’re shopping. Many reliable, such as Membership Certificate And the Fair Trade CertifiedAnd the Rainforest Alliance Certified And the It was bred and handled in an approved humane mannerAnd the biodynamicAnd the Certified as a renewable organic product, and more. Unfortunately, there are many who are not. “Greenwashing” – misleading information about how environmentally safe products are – does exist.
Consumers are more than ever looking to shop for productive and sustainable products. studies Show that the majority of consumers around the world believe it is important to buy food produced in an environmentally sustainable manner, and that more than a third are willing to pay more for these materials. For many, searching for specific sustainability labels on a package is part of our shopping routine.
Basically, sustainable eating It means a way of eating that values people, animals and the planet, and makes sure that healthy food is available now and in the future; Produced in a way that does not harm natural resources, such as land and water, and protects wildlife. That’s a lot, so it makes sense that there are a lot of testimonials and claims to consider when buying sustainable food products. It can be confusing, but it’s helpful to know the different types of labels and the meaning behind them to make sure you’re making choices that align with your values.
6 sustainable food labels you can trust
The USDA Certified Organic Label is a trusted program that ensures food cultivation by excluding most synthetic fertilizers, chemicals or chemical sludge. It symbolizes approval of production methods and the process in which organic foods are grown. The USDA National Organic Program oversees and regulates that all organic products follow specific farming methods that are safe for both society and nature. It is important to check the presence of a USDA-certified label, as well as the identification of organic ingredients on the Nutrition Facts label when identifying organically grown foods. Buying foods bearing this seal means they’ve been verified organic at all stages of production, from farm to store. Learn more about organic matter over here.
It was bred and handled in an approved humane manner
Certified Animal Welfare is a trusted source that requires animals to be allowed to engage in normal behaviors, which means they have enough room to grow and live without the use of cages, boxes or stalls, are gentle and properly handled, and are fed a high quality diet without antibiotics or growth hormones. Essentially, this sustainable food label assures consumers that the food products they buy are derived from environments where farm animals are treated humanely, from birth to market.
Fair Trade Certification is a global movement aimed at providing farmers with fair prices, better wages for workers, safe working conditions and environmentally friendly production. Fair Trade emphasizes the importance of improving the lives of communities and families, especially those in developing countries. This trusted source highlights the importance of providing the benefits of trade in an equal manner, specifically to those directly affected by climate change, inequality, and educational opportunities. Products bearing this label are produced using a model that improves lives, protects the environment, and builds resilient and transparent supply chains.
The Rainforest Alliance seal promotes the teamwork of people and nature, emphasizing the beneficial effects of responsible choices throughout the entire production process. Products and ingredients are produced with sustainability, supporting people, the economy and the environment. They are all certified and audited annually by independent inspectors, representing a trusted source. Certification criteria are based on forest protection, climate, human rights and livelihoods. This seal means that all workers and farmers are treated fairly and that the crops are sustainably grown. The overlap between the environmental and social aspects that the Rainforest Alliance supports, also contributes to the changes that need to be made in order to improve the world around us.
Demeter’s Certified Biodynamic is a trusted source with properties similar to the certified organic label, meaning the products are grown without genetic engineering, synthetic fertilizers, or pesticides. However, Demeter Biodynamic also requires strict adherence to imported fertility, pest and disease control solutions, and special water conservation conditions. Demeter Biodynamic emphasizes the idea that agriculture can heal the planet when proper methods of growing crops are implemented. This seal represents the importance of protecting the Earth through the responsible production of food, fuel, and fibre. Learn more about biodynamic farming over here.
Certified as a renewable organic product
Renewable Organic Certification means that farms and products bearing this specific label meet optimal requirements for a variety of sustainable farming methods, including soil health, animal care, and farm worker fairness. Regenerative agriculture is beneficial to food products as well as to humanity because it avoids chemical incorporation, pollution, factory farming, exploitation, habitat destruction, and income inequality. Purchasing products with this certification supports efforts to reduce the long-term problems we face today, such as climate change, factory farming, and collapsing rural economies.
Learn more about sustainable food labels in this great resource from Tufts over here.
For other blogs about sustainable eating, check out the following:
Top 11 tips for sustainable eating
7 Steps to Transition to Plant-Based
4 ways to eat for the environment
What is a sustainable eating style?
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