Green living can be tricky with all the buzzwords around. Getting overwhelmed is normal. But should you stop making better choices? Of course not! Empower yourselves with the most common eco-buzzwords. Be a smarter consumer, supporting companies that are making real, tangible efforts to build a Sustainable Universe^TM for everyone.

Biodegradable vs. Compostable

So you thought biodegradable meant an item will simply vanish if dumped in landfills? The truth is a little complex. This term merely indicates that a substance can break down into simpler compounds. When—is the question. Biodegradability soes not specify a time frame. This means it could take a few years or a few centuries. Some products would end better is sent to a high-heat industrial breaking-down facility rather than a cool, crowded landfill.

Compostable simply means that an item can be sued to enrich soil. Note that, most ‘compostable’ products are certified for industrial composting only. Your garden composter where you collect kitchen waste, might not work. If these items end up in a landfill, they often decompose anaerobically, potentially releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. These are better sent to industrial compost making facilities.

Ethically Sourced vs. Fair Trade

Ethically sourced is a broad umbrella term indicating consideration for workers’ rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions. This too lacks a universal legal definition, meaning a company determines what “ethical” means for their own supply chain. A truly responsible choice demands looking beyond this generalized word to the specific, verifiable ingredient list and sourcing methods. It requires a deeper look at ‘hows.’

For reliable ethical sourcing, consumers should look for third-party certifications, such as Fair-Trade, which provide verifiable standards and auditing. A recognized Fair-Trade mark guarantees that producers receive a minimum price for their goods and that a community development premium is paid. Fair Trade focuses on democratic organization for farmers, better working conditions, and prohibits forced and child labour, providing a transparent, audited standard that goes far beyond a simple “ethically sourced” marketing claim.

Plant-Based vs. Natural vs. Vegan

When looking for products free from harmful chemicals or animal ingredients, these two terms often pop up, yet they address entirely different concerns.

Plant-based focuses on ingredient source. This means the primary components are derived from plants rather than animals. However, it does not talk about how those plants were grown, how many chemicals were used, or how heavily processed the final product is. A plant-based product could be made from highly refined vegetable oils and artificial flavourings or colours, which are still plant-derived.

The term natural is very different. In the absence of standardization, it is open to be used as a seller pleases. It appeals to the idea of a product being simple and unprocessed minus any guarantee. A product labelled natural could still contain toxic chemicals, pesticides, or by products of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). There is no monitoring of the damage development of a sell-able product caused to the environment.

Similarly, vegan is often confused with meaning plant-based stuff. While plant-based means that the ingredients are derived from plants it does not talk about the possibility of cross-contamination with dairy or animal produce. These could often also be tested on animals.

Vegan is more of a lifestyle philosophy driven by a commitment to animal ethics. Veganism seeks to exclude all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. Therefore, a truly vegan product not only contains no animal-derived ingredients but also avoids animal testing, leather, wool, silk, and other forms of animal exploitation across its entire lifecycle.

We Know What You’re Thinking: Sustainable

The term sustainable encompasses not just a single stage of a product’s life. It means a product’s entire lifecycle, starting from raw material extraction through manufacturing, transportation, consumer use, and final disposal, minimize negative environmental impact. It addresses a comprehensive goal and is often used in evolving ways. As informed consumers, we should look for companies that are transparently measuring and continuously improving their sustainability efforts across their supply chain. At Sustainable Universe^TM, we are working on improving our and your negative environmental impact, one conscious decision at a time.

Leave us a message if you would like us to cover more such terms.