Product certification is the process through which a governing body sets criteria for how goods are produced and sold. If a product fulfills the criteria it receives the appropriate label / logo, which is placed directly on the product or product packaging.

Third-party independent product certification is the most reputable, because it ensures that a neutral body representing the interests of all the parties -- producers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers -- governs the certification process.

Fair Trade, organic, shade grown, and Forest Stewardship Council are all examples of product certification schemes. Each certification scheme has a specific label / logo, making it easy for customers to immediately recognize the standards by which the product was produced and sold.

Over the past decade there has been a surge of new products claiming to be "natural," "green," "eco-friendly."   While these descriptions give consumers more information about the product as well as the opportunity to make purchases which reduce environmental impacts, they do not reflect a uniform standard, nor are they third-party certified. Choosing certified green products is a simple, effective way to ensure the highest standards for the protection and preservation of the environment.