What is a sustainable product?
When we talk about sustainable consumption, it means selecting products thoughtfully, considering their environmental impact. Eco-friendly products are designed to minimise their environmental footprint throughout their entire lifecycle - from sourcing raw materials and manufacturing, through to design, transportation, usage duration and recyclability.
Whilst Europe lacks a unified standard for eco-friendly products, several key indicators can help identify more sustainable options. Though these products might initially cost more, they often prove more economical over time through reduced environmental impact and longer lifespan.
Beyond environmental considerations, an eco-friendly product often encompasses ethical aspects, including fair labour practices during production and distribution, as well as consideration for animal welfare.
Natural-origin products
Products that are eco-friendly and manufactured using natural materials and ingredients are preferable to those produced with synthetic materials, plastics, or potentially harmful chemical substances.
Examples: wooden toys with no artificial components, garments crafted from natural fibres like linen, hemp or wool, etc.
When considering agricultural production methods, organic certification ensures high standards of biodiversity, environmental stewardship, natural resource conservation and animal welfare.
Important to know.
Whilst natural products are ideal, transport distance is crucial. Purchasing a completely natural product that's shipped from the opposite end of the globe creates substantial carbon emissions during transit. In many cases, it's more sustainable to choose a locally recycled alternative.
Energy-efficient products
An environmentally conscious product produces reduced CO2 emissions (the primary greenhouse gas driving climate change) and requires less water and energy during production.
Despite being natural, cotton demands more water and fertiliser processing compared to alternative plant fibres like flax or hemp. Nevertheless, organic cotton remains a more environmentally responsible choice.
Intricate manufacturing processes typically consume significant energy. This has prompted numerous European manufacturers to shift towards 'low-tech' solutions that require less energy input.
Regarding energy consumption, always review the energy rating label when purchasing household appliances. This labelling system applies to all 'energy-related products significantly impacting direct or indirect energy consumption during use'.
Throughout the European Union, this labelling is mandatory for these products:
Dishwashers
Refrigerators
Ovens and hoods
Washing machines
Tumble dryers
Televisions
Electric lights and light fittings
Air conditioners
Heating and hot water generators
Light bulbs and LEDs
The label displays the appliance's energy efficiency using grades from A to G. It includes a QR code providing access to a comprehensive product information sheet containing detailed technical specifications for available products.
The energy label enables you to evaluate the operational costs of the product, beyond its initial purchase price.
Sustainable products
Sustainability is measured by how long products remain functional before reaching the end of their lifecycle, and their potential for reuse, repair, or repurposing.
Examples: batteries that can be recharged, toothbrushes featuring replaceable heads, cleaning cloths made from microfibre.
The ability to repair stands as one of the most crucial aspects of a sustainable product. Our society has developed a disposable mindset where single-use items and products with limited lifespans have made replacement more economical than repair. The tech industry's practice of planned obsolescence further compounds this societal challenge.
To create more environmentally responsible products, repairability must be a fundamental consideration in design and production. An eco-friendly product should be straightforward to fix, with replacement components readily accessible.
For insight into your appliance's longevity, check the colour-coded pictogram on the product information sheet. France has pioneered European efforts by implementing a mandatory durability index, though currently this only applies to washing machines and television sets.
Local products
To minimise your environmental impact, prioritise purchasing furniture and appliances that are manufactured and retailed within the UK or Europe, or at minimum, crafted from European-sourced materials. This consideration is vital as transportation ranks as the second-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, following energy and power consumption.
Ethical and fair-trade products
Fair-trade
A fair-trade item is manufactured within a shorter timeframe and features a more transparent supply and distribution network, enabling small-scale producers to earn a sustainable income from their efforts.
Fair trade extends beyond food products like coffee and chocolate, encompassing textiles, furniture, jewellery, and various decorative items.
Ethical.
An ethical product considers the human aspect of manufacturing, focusing on the conditions under which items are designed and distributed. Many consumers unknowingly purchase products from supply chains that exploit workers through forced labour or subject them to severely unfair working conditions, including inadequate wages, child exploitation, unsafe environments, and lack of social benefits.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines forced labour as work performed under threat of punishment, where workers cannot exercise free choice. Currently, 27 million individuals worldwide are affected by forced labour, with 15 million cases in South-East Asia alone. Tragically, over 3 million children are believed to be victims of this practice.
This represents a significant challenge across various consumer sectors. Many prominent fashion supply chains are unfortunately perpetuating these concerning practices.