Friday, April 3, 2009

Should There Be a Universal "Eco-Label?"

With the proliferation of products being pitched as "green," there's been a surge in the number of third parties offering eco-labels as validation, as I discuss in yesterday's WSJ story. By one count, more than 300 labels exist putting their seal on everything from coffee and wood to cosmetics.

As such, some are exploring whether there should be an "Eco-Label" run by the federal government, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California. Meantime, the free market isn't waiting around and retailers are adopting their own label programs.

About Pure Shelter

When I bought my first "shelter" -- a 1978 Deck House on two acres -- the location was great, but the structure needed serious updating when it came to energy efficiency and healthy building science. And the yard, well, the weeds had nearly moved into the house. This site is an offshoot of my reporting about the newest tools & trends in home improvement, particularly "green" building and landscaping. (There's also the occasional pet or food post - file that under "inside the shelter.") Hope the ideas help as you improve your home.

-- Gwendolyn Bounds

I'm a journalist (more about me here); information in this blog stems from independent reporting. I do not accept payment or advertising from companies mentioned on this site other than news organizations with which I'm affiliated. My views do not necessarily represent those of the media organizations I've worked for.