# Green Seal Statement on FTC Guides

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/10/green-seal-statement-on-ftc-guides/
- Published: 2012-10-03T13:15:10-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Green Seal Hopes That Revised Green Guides Statement from FTC Can End Greenwashing

### Green Seal Statement on Final Version of Revised FTC Green Guides Released

**Washington, D.C., October 1 – **Statement from Dr. Arthur Weissman, President 
and CEO of Green Seal.

Green Seal, Inc. ([www.GreenSeal.org](https://www.greenseal.org/)), is the nation’s
oldest independent, non-profit environmental certification organization and the 
original “green seal of approval.”

_“Green Seal is very pleased with the FTC’s final guides on [certifications and seals of approval](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/green-guides-the-fight-against-greenwashing/).
There is now clear, current guidance on how to find credible certifications like
Green Seal. With this new guidance, we hope that there will be enforcement to help
rid the marketplace of the many less-than-credible seals and greenwashing that exists.
Now purchasers can be more [discriminating](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/green-ftc-guides-to-combat-greenwashing-effectively/)
in the seals that they trust and reference.”_

### Cracking Down on Misleading Eco-Claims

Because greenwashing confuses consumers and hurts legitimate businesses, the FTC
aims to restore trust. The updated [Green Guides](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/07/what-is-intelligent-mobility-ask-nissan/)
push for clarity in every environmental claim. For example, marketers can no longer
use vague terms like “green” or “earth-friendly” without solid evidence. Even better,
claims about recyclability, compostability, or carbon neutrality must now include
proof and context.

At the same time, the Guides emphasize transparency. If a product contains [recycled content](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/01/tarps-as-recycled-billboards-eco-friendly-solution/),
marketers must state how much. If energy comes from renewable sources, they must
disclose whether fossil fuels were used too. This clarity helps consumers make informed
choices.

These updates mark a crucial shift. They raise the bar for honest marketing. As 
a result, they empower shoppers and level the playing field for truly sustainable
brands. Because now, green must actually mean green.

### Take Action: Demand Honest Green Marketing

Don’t settle for vague labels and empty promises. As a consumer, you hold real power.
So next time you shop, read beyond the packaging. Ask questions. Look for specific
claims backed by third-party certifications. Even better, support companies that
go beyond buzzwords and show measurable progress toward sustainability.

At the same time, speak up. If you see a product making misleading green claims,
report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Your voice can help hold companies accountable
and push for better standards.

Because when consumers demand [truth](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/04/3-reasons-your-home-needs-an-emergency-generator/),
the market changes. Together, we can raise expectations—and reward the brands that
actually walk the walk. So let’s move beyond greenwashing and build a truly sustainable
future, one honest label at a time.

**SOURCE: GREEN SEAL, INC. **[www.greenseal.org](https://www.greenseal.org/)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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