Eco-responsible and ecological product: definition and example

Switching to eco-friendly products has become a global trend. Marketers are using the prefix eco to try to attract consumers. But what really is an eco-friendly product? How do you identify a green product? What is the difference between organic and eco? Let's find out in our material.

An eco-responsible product is a product that reduces its ecological footprint as much as possible.

What is an eco-responsible product?

Eco-responsible products are products whose production has the lowest possible impact on the environment. All stages of production are taken into account. According to Larousse, eco-responsible means: "Who seeks to integrate environmental protection measures in its activities, its principles". (Source)

Why use ecological products?

People are motivated to buy ecological products in different ways. According to statistics, millennials are the most likely to choose eco-friendly products. This is mainly due to a combination of factors such as awareness and purchasing power. The millennial generation has grown up with the internet and free access to information. They are well aware of the global agenda of environmental issues.   Why is this helpful and what reasons can you find to buy eco-friendly products? Here are 6 reasons to use green products:  

• You feel better because you are doing something important and useful;

  By choosing eco-friendly products, you feel like you are participating in a global concern for the world. This moral motivation is a strong incentive to adopt more environmentally friendly behavior. It feels good to think that you are a hero, that you are a saver and that you have a serious purpose. You feel fulfilled and happy by taking care of yourself and nature.  

• You do less harm to the environment by using products or services;

  Every time you choose green solutions, you contribute to eco-innovation. Even small actions, such as energy saving light bulbs, create a habit of looking for green alternatives in other areas. Supporting green businesses develops this industry.

• Natural and local products have a positive effect on your health;

  Much of the food on the shelves comes from the other side of the world. All of these products emit a huge amount of CO2 when they are transported. Not only that, but the production standards of products in other countries can be very different. Choosing local and regional products reduces the carbon footprint, supports local producers and gives credibility to the naturalness of the product. It also promotes seasonality in your menu, making it healthier.  

• It's a money-saver;

  There is a belief that organic products are always more expensive. This is not true. Thanks to zero waste and optimized processes, many products are cheaper than their non-green counterparts. Many "green" companies are also looking for product longevity. By purchasing an eco-friendly product, you can be sure that you will use it for years to come. This reduces the number of times you have to buy them. By putting quality first, you save money.  

• It is a concern for the future of our children;

  A proverb says that we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, but we borrow it from our children. The human brain is so constructed that the non-acceptance of loss works more than the pleasure of acquisition. The nature we know may no longer exist if we do not change. Preserving the richness of nature to provide a better and healthier life for our children is a good reason to choose ecological products.  

• You preserve natural resources;

  According to the Ecological Footprint, in one year we consume the amount of renewable resources that only 1.6 of a planet like Earth could provide. The global community is working to reduce the ecological footprint. But the success of this effort depends on the willingness of each individual to reduce his or her personal footprint.  

What is the difference between organic and ecological?

Organic product: at least 95% of the ingredients are organically produced (without pesticides...). If you want to be sure to buy an all-natural product, look for the BIO label on it. Ecological product (eco-designed): thought, designed, packed, distributed, recycled in a way to minimize the impact on the environment. This site explains in a very simple way the difference between an organic and ecological product.

How to identify an eco-designed product?

  Consumers may have the illusion that identifying eco-friendly products is easy. Many products that claim to be green have labels or certifications from environmental organizations. But it's not that simple. Often this greenwashing is part of a marketing program. This is how companies try to build loyalty among their audience. As a result, consumers can be deceived. They do not get what they expect. That's why it's important to understand what's behind the eco-label. To know if the product you have in front of you is environmentally friendly, follow these 4 rules:  

• Avoid greenwashing;

  One tactic many companies use is to create the illusion that a product is environmentally friendly. Associations come into play. Brands design their packaging in natural colors, adding lots of green and brown. Kraft cardboard is used. The brain perceives this as a signal that the product is environmentally friendly. Companies also use images and slogans in their advertising campaigns that make you associate the brand with nature. However, this is just a marketing ploy. Avoid greenwashing and use the following techniques to identify true sustainability.  

• Familiarize yourself with the company's mission statement;

  Usually, companies whose goal is to become greener have a separate section on their website with actual measurements. In their taglines, they talk about real cases of reducing the company's carbon footprint or their responsible suppliers. Focus on the specificity of this information. The clearer a company's statements are, the more credible they are. For example, Groupe Rocher, which won the 2021 Committed Company Gold Award.  

• Trust only official labels and certificates;

  Check the environmental assessment of the company by specialized organizations. There are many labels for different sectors of activity. For example, AB (Organic Agriculture) for food products, EKOenergy for renewable energies, Fairtrade for fair trade certification, etc. Some products have multiple labels to certify sustainability according to different standards.  

• Create your own green products;

  Much of what we are used to finding in stores can easily be replaced by homemade products. This is especially true for various household items. For example, chemical cleaners can easily be replaced by an eco-responsible homemade cleaning product: a solution of water with vinegar and essential oil. This cleaning product will be just as effective for cleaning the house. Cloths can be made from fabric scraps. You can make your own soap. You don't have to replace all the products in the house with its own. But some of these practices can become your favorite hobby. And don't forget that proper maintenance and repair can extend the life of your technical devices and reduce unnecessary purchases.  

Examples of eco-friendly products

Here are 3 examples of eco-designed products:

• The Lunii storyteller box;
• The 1083 jeans;
• Malongo EOH coffee machine;

 

What is the difference between ecological and eco-designed?

  A totally ecological object does not exist. The criteria to define an eco-designed product are the following:

• the lowest possible use of raw materials, renewable and locally available;
• a manufacturing process that respects the environment and requires little energy;
• a local manufacturing to limit the carbon footprint;
• usefulness and durability;
• optimized packaging and packaging materials;
• biodegradability or recyclability within the circular economy;
• an ethical working environment.

 

Eco-responsible store and French ecological product

  Semantics as defined by the ADEME (French Environment and Energy Management Agency) and ARPP (Professional Advertising Regulatory Authority) communication rules defines that:   An object cannot demonstrate responsibility.   A "responsible store" or eco-responsible has no more meaning than talking about a "responsible teapot" or an "empathetic pie tin". The environmental claims are framed by this guide of the ADEME. Also, we have already written about Veja, which makes an important contribution to eco-design. Veja is a French sneaker brand based on eco-responsible business. The use of innovative technologies in production has brought the company worldwide recognition. The brand has many famous fans. Veja has captivated the public with its combination of fashion design and eco-production.

To find out more, take a look at the following articles:

‣ Circular economy: definition and example ‣ Ecology: definition and example ‣ Becoming eco-responsible: approach, gestures and examples ‣ Eco-responsible and ecological product: definition and example ‣ Ecological footprint: definition and example ‣ Carbon footprint: definition and example