With more Eco-products hitting the market, shops are finding that they need to move beyond the self-appointment model of claims. Because of the absence of independent proof of environmental claims, self-declaration has led to frequent charges of "greenwashing" among competitors and consumers alike.

The Federal Trade Commission's "Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims" (CFR Part 260 § 5) validation of claims by a third party to avoid illegal deceptive acts or practices. Industry associations are already hard at work creating new standards that will quickly become requirements among corporate decision makers and consumers.

FIRST-COST SAVINGS

• Streamlined permitting and approvals
• Reduced material use
• Tax credits and other incentives

REDUCED OPERATING COSTS

• Lower energy and water costs
• Reduced costs of spray operations
• Lower insurance costs
• Reduced waste generation

HEALTH & PRODUCTIVITY BENEFITS

• Improved health
• Enhanced comfort
• Reduced absenteeism
• Faster recovery from illness

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

• Reduced demand on municipal services
• Reduced erosion and storm water runoff
• Reduced automobile use, traffic congestion, and sprawl

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

• Increased property value
• Increased local business
• Easier employee recruiting
• Reduced employee turnover
• Reduced liability risk
• Staying ahead of regulations
• Positive public image

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

• Reduced global warming impacts
• Minimized ozone depletion
• Reduced resource extraction impacts
• Reduced waste generation & disposal
• Reduced toxic emissions release
• Reduced contributions to air pollution
• Reduced local & regional water pollution
• Reduced urban heat contribution
• Greenhouse Gas climate improvement
• Increased environmental awareness