Your Guide to Common Sustainability Certifications
You may have picked up a bottle of shampoo or a bar of chocolate, turned it around, noticed different certifications printed on the back, and wondered what they meant. And, at that, are they even important?
With growing consumer demand for consciously made products, more companies are seeking to communicate features, commitments, and plans that align themselves with sustainability. However, with the rise of greenwashing (aka when companies make misleading claims to seem more sustainable than they actually are), it’s important for companies to be able to substantiate their claims. Certifications can be an excellent way to do so, with the most credible of them requiring strict verification standards usually involving multi-step processes of documentation and third-party auditing.
Having an understanding of common and reputable certifications can help you better align your dollars with your values; supporting and casting your vote for the types of companies and practices you want to see in the world.
Common sustainability certifications to know about:
1% for the Planet (1% FTP)
1% FTP is a certification for companies, brands, and products that commit at least 1% of their annual revenue to vetted environmental nonprofits. The certification — founded in 2002 by former CEO and founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard — has grown to a network of more than 5,200 businesses supporting thousands of environmental partners in over 100 countries. While the certification does not evaluate the sustainability practices of the business itself, it serves as a strong indication of an overall commitment to doing good.
Quick numbers: So far, 1% FTP has led to $655m+ in certified donations, involving 5,200+ business members and 7,000+ environmental partners
B Corporation (“B Corp”)
As one of the most highly regarded certifications, a B Corp certification reflects companies that have voluntarily met strict standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. Certification requires companies to meet stringent requirements across key impact areas, including Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. Due to the time and intensive evaluation process, a B Corp certification instills trust in customers that a brand is committed to using business as a force for positive social and environmental impact.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Organic
The USDA Organic certified seal is one of the most recognizable organic certifying bodies in the U.S, guaranteeing products meet specific organic farming standards that prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and more. The certification — commonly applied to food, vitamin, and supplement products — includes inspection of ingredient sourcing, farming methods, and manufacturing practices to ensure compliance with strict organic standards.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified
The FSC is a global organization that certifies forests based on rigorous standards of responsible management. The different FSC certifications, including FSC 100%, FSC Recycled, and FSC Mix, are used to certify wood and wood-based products on a range of topics, such as environmental stewardship, worker well being across supply chains, legal and regulatory compliance, and more. Since forests play a crucial role in the health of our ecosystems and planet as a whole; responsible forest management and sourcing is essential to both sustain habitats and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
The GOTS certification is administered to companies who achieve high levels of social and environmental impact in the textile and apparel industry. The standard evaluates across environmental and labor conditions, ensuring fair and safe working conditions where materials are produced without toxins, pesticides, and fertilizers. An important element of a GOTS certification is the requirement for on-site third-party audits of all parties involved in the manufacturing of GOTS-certified textiles to ensure compliance.
Rainforest Alliance
As one of the longest standing and most recognizable sustainability certifications globally, the Rainforest Alliance certification is awarded to farms that meet rigorous criteria for practices that protect and benefit people and the planet. According to the organization, farming causes nearly 80% of global deforestation. As a result, their holistic verification system seeks to encompass both farms and farmers, fostering protection and improvement across four focus areas: forests, climate, human rights, and livelihoods. You’ll likely see the certification on many food and beverage products, like chocolate, coffee, bananas, and more.
Quick numbers: There have been 7.5m+ farmers and workers on Rainforest Alliance certified farms across 5.7m+ hectares of certified farmland, producing 24,000 Rainforest Alliance certified products
The best certifications are those with standards that intersect social welfare, inclusive economic opportunity, and environmental protection — all of which are necessary to make meaningful advancements on climate. In addition to standards, it’s important that these bodies are evaluating impartially and thoroughly in order to ensure companies are taking meaningful and legitimate action. The above certifications are trustworthy ones to look out for, but when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to research others you may encounter.
Delilah Harvey is a sustainability consultant, climate content creator, and writer based in Los Angeles. With a background in strategic communications and sustainable business, Delilah specializes in offering practical tips, accessible educational info, and inspiring stories that empower individuals to live more sustainable, connected lives. Her work is driven by the belief that sustainability can be joyful, community-driven, and impactful for both people and the planet.
Sources:
1% for the planet certification: What the label means. Ecolife.com. (October 16, 2023) Retrieved from https://ecolife.com/dictionary/one-percent-for-the-planet/
Bajaj, N. (2024, September 16). How does 1% for the planet work?. RSS. https://www.thecommons.earth/blog/how-does-1-for-the-planet-work
GOTS Philosophy. GOTS - Global Organic Textile Standard. (n.d.). https://global-standard.org/the-standard/philosophy
Home. Rainforest Alliance. (2024, December 3). https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/
O’Callaghan, U. (2024b, May 1). 8 sustainability certifications you need to know (2024). Thooja. https://www.thooja.com/blog/sustainability-certification#:~:text=It’s%20also%20important%20to%20consider,standards%20and%20less%20vigorous%20testing
Rei. (n.d.). What is FSC certification?: Rei Co-op. REI. https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/what-is-fsc-certification-and-why-you-should-look-for-it.html
What is a B corporation? everything you need to know. Cultivating Capital. (2022a, September 28). https://www.cultivatingcapital.com/b-corporation/#:~:text=The%20B%20Corp%20Definition&text=Here’s%20the%20definition%20provided%20by,to%20balance%20profit%20and%20purpose
What is USDA Organic Certification & Why does it matter?. MaryRuth Organics. (2024, July 14). https://www.maryruthorganics.com/blogs/supplements-nutrition/what-is-usda-organic-certification-and-importance?srsltid=AfmBOoo9dE0y-wxQAbtM-cU0GhWXFxQzvJuTMVza7vyHfBmjDNgLXb2o
