Nowadays it feels like every company and product is either “Going Green” or being “Eco-Friendly.” But what do these two labels mean and how are they different? And does the difference matter?
We’re breaking it down so you not only understand the difference between these two terms, but we’re also sharing ways you can live a more sustainable life yourself.
What Is “Green”
While its exact origins are unknown, the term “going green” or “green” seemed to originate in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It grew in tandem with the larger movement of environmental consciousness. The term itself served as a broad descriptor for anything environmentally friendly or sustainable.
Back when it was first picking up momentum, it encompassed a wide range of concepts and practices aimed at minimizing harm to the environment—like recycling and automobile transportation alternatives.
“Green initiatives” focus on reducing carbon footprint, conserving resources, and promoting renewable energy. When something is labeled as “green,” it indicates that it is designed or implemented with a larger consideration for the environment.
What Is “Eco-Friendly”
The term “eco-friendly” started gaining around the same time as “going green,” but its origins are clearer. The term “eco” is short for “ecological,” which means the study of the relationships between organisms and their environment. And as a term, it emerged as a response to the growing eco concerns throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Now, eco-friendly specifically refers to products or sometimes services that are not harmful to the environment. A product labeled “eco-friendly,” was manufactured using sustainable materials. And manufactured with minimal waste and pollution. For example, “eco-friendly” cleaning products are formulated and made without hash chemicals that could contaminate water systems. And ideally, these products are packaged in materials that are recyclable or compostable.
What’s The Difference Between The Two?
In short, the main difference between “green” and “eco-friendly” is their scope. “Green” is a broader term that encompasses environmentally conscious practices, while “eco-friendly” is more focused on products that don’t harm the environment. This means being “eco-friendly” is a ideaunder the larger “being green” movement.
Just keep in mind while grocery shopping, not all products labeled green are. There are no regulations on the term “green” or “ego-friendly.” Meaning big corporations can put them on their labels, whether they’re factual or not. Companies do this to sell a “sustainable lifestyle” to unsuspecting consumers. It’s “Greenwashing.” The best way to avoid greenwashing is to look for official labels like Energy Star, USDA Organic, or Fair Trade on the items you’re buying.
Should You Strive To Be Green Or Eco-Friendly?
Now that we understand the difference between green and eco-friendly, it’s time for the most important question. Which one should you strive to be? Well, the answer is simple—both!
See, while you want to strive to live more green overall, the way you achieve this is by making both green and eco-friendly choices. And the best way to do this is to become a more conscious consumer. Make sure you’re buying eco-friendly products when you can. Then take it a step further and employ green shopping methods wherever possible. This means buying second-hand clothes, home goods, and items whenever you can.
And remember, going green and being eco-friendly isn’t about perfection, try your hardest every day to make sustainable choices and we’ll all work together towards a better tomorrow!