Greenwashing identification

{{whyLabel}}: Vague terms like 'natural', 'eco-friendly', or 'green' are legally unprotected and often used to mislead without providing concrete data.

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• Look for broad claims that lack specific details or percentages.
• Check if the brand defines what they mean by 'sustainable' on their website.
• Treat any claim without a third-party link or data point as a marketing buzzword.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You can list three vague terms you previously trusted but now recognize as red flags.

{{whyLabel}}: Brands often highlight one 'green' feature (like recycled paper) to distract from a destructive overall impact (like high chemical use or carbon-heavy shipping).

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• Examine if a 'recyclable' product is made of mixed materials that are actually impossible to separate.
• Question 'organic' products that are flown halfway across the world in heavy plastic.
• Look for the 'total lifecycle' impact rather than a single attribute.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have identified one product in your home that claims to be green but has a hidden environmental cost.

{{whyLabel}}: Some brands create their own 'eco-seals' that look like official certifications but have no independent oversight.

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• Verify if a logo is a recognized third-party certification (e.g., EU Ecolabel, Fairtrade) or just a brand-owned graphic.
• Use the 'Label Checker' tool to see if the seal has a transparent set of criteria.
• Be skeptical of green leaves, globes, or 'certified' stamps that don't name the certifying body.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have verified the authenticity of at least two logos on your current household products.

{{whyLabel}}: Fashion is one of the most greenwashed industries; this app provides aggregated ratings on labor, environment, and animal welfare.

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• Download the app and search for your favorite 5 clothing brands.
• Focus on brands rated 'Great' or 'Good'.
• Read the 'Why' section for brands rated 'We Avoid' to understand their specific failures.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a list of your top 5 brands and their respective sustainability ratings.

{{whyLabel}}: Cosmetics often hide behind 'natural' labels while containing endocrine disruptors or microplastics.

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• Scan the barcodes of your shampoo, soap, and skincare products.
• Look for the 'EWG Verified' mark or a low hazard score (1-2).
• Avoid products with high scores for 'fragrance' or 'parabens' which are often poorly regulated.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have scanned 5 personal care items and identified which ones meet safety standards.

{{whyLabel}}: B Corp certification is one of the most rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, covering the whole company, not just one product.

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• Visit the B Lab directory and search for brands you buy from frequently.
• Check their 'Impact Score' (80 is the minimum for certification; 100+ is excellent).
• Look for the 'B Corp' logo on packaging as a primary indicator of transparency.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have identified at least three B Corp certified brands in your shopping routine.

{{whyLabel}}: The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the gold standard for organic fibers, ensuring both environmental and social criteria are met.

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• Check the inner labels of your cotton items (towels, bedding, t-shirts).
• Look for the GOTS logo and the license number.
• Prioritize GOTS over 'Organic Cotton' claims that lack a certification logo.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have identified which of your textile items are genuinely organic.

{{whyLabel}}: Many cleaners claim to be 'CFC-free' or 'Phosphate-free'—claims that are irrelevant because those substances have been banned for decades.

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• Read the back of your detergent and multi-purpose cleaners.
• Look for the 'EU Ecolabel' or 'Blue Angel' (Blauer Engel) as reliable indicators of lower toxicity.
• Avoid products that use 'biodegradable' without specifying a timeframe (e.g., '90% in 28 days').

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have identified one cleaner to replace with a certified eco-alternative.

{{whyLabel}}: Coffee, chocolate, and bananas are high-risk for labor exploitation and deforestation.

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• Look for the Fairtrade logo to ensure farmers receive a fair price.
• Look for the Rainforest Alliance (frog logo) for biodiversity protection.
• Avoid 'Ethically Sourced' claims that are not backed by these specific third-party seals.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Your next grocery list includes only certified coffee or chocolate.

{{whyLabel}}: The most sustainable product is the one you don't buy. This rule prevents impulse purchases and clutter.

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• For every new item you bring into your home, one must be sold, donated, or recycled.
• This forces you to evaluate if the new 'sustainable' item is truly better than what you already own.
• Use platforms like Vinted or local thrift shops for the 'out' part.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have applied this rule to your next non-essential purchase.

{{whyLabel}}: Extending the life of a product by just 9 months can reduce its carbon footprint by 20-30%.

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• Identify one item (clothing, electronics, furniture) that needs a minor fix.
• Use a local 'Repair Café' or online tutorials (e.g., iFixit) to mend it.
• Support brands like Patagonia that offer lifetime repair services.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have successfully repaired one item instead of buying a new 'eco' version.

{{whyLabel}}: Circular brands take responsibility for their products at the end of their life, preventing them from reaching landfills.

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• Look for brands that offer 'Take-back' schemes (e.g., Mud Jeans, For Days).
• Choose products designed for disassembly or composting.
• Avoid 'recyclable' plastic that usually ends up in downcycling or incineration.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have identified one brand with a circular business model to support.