My Struggle to Live Green: How I Verify if a Product is Truly Eco-Friendly in South Africa

As someone who deeply cares about the environment, I’ve always been committed to making eco-friendly choices. I reuse greywater, separate waste, compost and try to minimize my carbon footprint wherever possible. However, navigating the world of supposedly “green” products has been a source of endless frustration. The rampant issue of greenwashing, where companies falsely advertise their products as environmentally friendly, makes it incredibly difficult to trust any brand. Here’s a look at my personal journey and the steps I take to verify if a product is genuinely eco-friendly.

The Reality of Greenwashing

Greenwashing is everywhere. Companies plaster their packaging with images of leaves and buzzwords like “natural” and “sustainable”, false or made up certifications to lure conscientious consumers. But many of these claims are misleading or downright false. One particularly frustrating example was when I bought a “biodegradable” dish soap that turned out that the labeling referred to the packaging and not the soap. There are multiple examples for instance Big organizations such as Volkswagen falsifying data on CO2 emissions. The list is endless, but this is just to show that greenwashing is everywhere.

Misleading Online Reviews

The internet is rife with glowing reviews for green products, but many of these are not what they seem. Consumer Reports has revealed that numerous online reviews are either fake or paid for by the companies themselves, making it incredibly difficult to discern genuine user experiences from sponsored content. There are reports of companies compensating individuals to post favorable reviews about their products, highlighting the need for consumers to remain vigilant. This phenomenon underscores the importance of critically evaluating online reviews before making purchasing decisions.

Exposing False Claims

News articles frequently highlight instances of greenwashing, shedding light on companies’ deceptive practices. A New York Times piece discussed how some brands market their plastic bottles as “100% recyclable,” knowing full well that recycling facilities for these plastics are inadequate in most areas . This kind of misleading information only adds to my frustration and distrust.

My Personal Vetting Process

Over time, I’ve developed a more rigorous approach to ensure that the products I buy are truly eco-friendly. Here are some strategies that have helped me navigate the greenwashing minefield:

  • Look for Trusted Certifications: I prioritize products certified by reputable organizations such as Fair Trade, and the Rainforest Alliance. These certifications involve strict standards and regular audits, making them more reliable indicators of a product’s environmental impact. While exploring a bag on Faithful to Nature’s website, I noted its source was EcoPlanet Bamboo’s plantation in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Delving deeper into the source, I discovered that they are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring sustainable bamboo cultivation in Africa. Armed with this knowledge, I can confidently trust the integrity of these bags and recommend them to others, knowing that they meet rigorous environmental standards. For those seeking a comprehensive list of certification bodies, I’ve compiled an article accessible through the following link: A Guide to Green Product Certification Organizations in South Africa.
  • Read Ingredient Lists Carefully: I scrutinize ingredient lists for vague terms like “fragrance” or “cleaning agents.” If a company isn’t transparent about what’s in their product, it’s a red flag.
  • Demand Transparency: I prefer brands that openly share their sourcing and manufacturing processes. Companies that publish detailed sustainability reports and are transparent about their supply chains tend to be more trustworthy.
  • Seek Independent Reviews: I rely on reviews from trusted environmental organizations and dedicated sustainability platforms. Here are some examples:
    • Reddit Communities. offers communities like r/ZeroWaste, r/EcoLiving, and r/SustainableLiving which provide discussions and personal experiences on eco-friendly products. I engage in conversations and ask for recommendations.
    • Google Reviews offers user-generated reviews on products and businesses. I look for specific mentions of sustainability and environmental impact in detailed reviews.
    • Amazon Verified Purchase Reviews: I look for verified purchase reviews and filter by “Most Recent” to see unbiased user experiences. I check for detailed reviews that mention environmental benefits or concerns. I also check the profile of the person who has written the review
  • Contact Companies Directly: Sometimes, I reach out to companies with specific questions about their products. Their willingness to provide detailed, honest answers often reveals a lot about their commitment to sustainability

There are numerous other methods to verify the authenticity of green products, but these are the strategies I currently employ. 

The Emotional Toll

Despite my efforts, the constant vigilance required to avoid greenwashing can be exhausting. It’s disheartening to realize that many companies are more interested in profit than in genuinely reducing their environmental impact. However, the satisfaction of finding truly eco-friendly products and supporting companies that align with my values makes the effort worthwhile.

Conclusion

My journey to live a greener life has been filled with challenges, primarily due to the prevalence of greenwashing. By adopting a more discerning approach and relying on credible sources, I’ve managed to navigate this complex landscape more effectively. This experience has not only made me a more informed consumer but has also reinforced my commitment to sustainability. The key is to remain vigilant, informed, and persistent in our quest for a healthier planet.

References:

  1. The Guardian, “It’s greenwash’: most home compostable plastics don’t work, says study
  2. Consumer Reports, “How to spot fake online reviews.”
  3. USEPA, “Identifying Greener Cleaning Products
  4. Bizcommunity, “Greenwashing: How to unmask it and protect SA’s environment
  5. Scielo, “The Green, The Bad and The Ugly: The Risks of Greenwashing
  6. Bowmans,”South Africa: Developments in the regulation of green claims and greenwashing”
  7. SGS,”Exploring Greenwashing and Ways to Avoid It

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