No doubt you may have noticed a logo depicting a globe with the words: "Design for the Environment, U.S. EPA" on more and more cleaning products lately. If you're wondering what this logo really means, read on for all the details.
What does the logo represent?
The logo is part of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Design for the Environment (DfE) Safer Labeling Program. The mission of the DfE program is to protect the health and safety of people and the environment.
Products bearing the logo use chemicals that are safer than conventional cleaning products.
Are products with this logo safer?
Yes. This logo designates products using chemicals that are safer for people and the planet. A scientific team designated by the EPA reviews each ingredient in the product to make sure it is the safest ingredient in its class of chemicals presently available. For example, if a surfactant is used in the product, it is compared to other available surfactants and only the safest one is allowed if the product is to bear the DfE logo. Safety is based on current information, "EPA predictive models," and the team's "expert judgment" according to this article by the Environmental Protection Agency. So, it is most likely a much safer product than one not bearing the logo.
How do manufacturers get the logo on their products?
Manufacturers are considered partners in the process as they supply information to a qualified third-party reviewer and then go through a review process developing and reformulating as necessary to make their products as green and effective as possible by meeting DfE environmental friendliness and safety standards.
Once all guidelines are met, they sign an agreement and are allowed to use the DfE logo on their products.
How many products currently have the logo?
According to the EPA at the time this article was written, over 2,500 products carry the logo. Most seem to be industrial and household cleaning manufacturers, but it appears the EPA does allow other chemical-based manufacturing companies to contact them as well. To see a list of the current companies who are DfE partners as well as approved products that meet DfE standards, check out this EPA link.
Does the DfE program really matter?
Yes! Manufacturers going through the trouble of getting the DfE logo are obviously ensuring they are using the safest ingredients possible in their products based on current scientific views. Because we are exposed to chemicals in our everyday lives, not only in cleaning products, but in our furniture, building materials, personal care products, food, and more, it is important that we make safe choices. Often, components of chemicals end up as dust in our homes, causing health issues not only for us, but our pets, too. Also, certain chemicals definitely have detrimental environmental effects, so buying products that bear the DfE logo helps avoid thousands and thousands of pounds of hazardous chemicals from being used in the first place.
What if a product doesn't have the DfE logo?Is it still safe?
Some smaller green cleaning companies may not use the logo because they haven't yet gone through the review process, but they may very well use ingredients that are just as safe. So doing your homework by reading the label and checking products reviews is well worth it!
Are there other certifications out there that ensure my products are safe?
At the moment, the DfE logo is the main government one to look out for, but other companies and organizations, such as Green Seal, Whole Foods, and EcoCert have excellent rating systems regarding safety and environmental friendliness as well.