HOW DO YOU DEFINE ‘ECO-FRIENDLY’?

Eco-friendly is technically defined as ‘not harmful to the environment’, but this is an impossible standard for a product to meet. Here’s why: let’s break the term down by first defining “eco”, and then “friendly.” “Eco” stands for ecology, which is the study of ecosystems, or the often delicate and intricate interrelationship of organisms and their environments. “Friendly” means something shows kindly interest and goodwill, serves a beneficial or helpful purpose, and does not cause harm. 

When we put these together, for a product to be eco-friendly, it would need to not only cause no harm to ecosystems, but also be beneficial to these delicate and intricate systems. 

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Is it regulated? Nope, and oftentimes when words aren’t regulated, they’re not credible. 

Does Finch use it? Absolutely not!

CAN A PRODUCT BE ECO-FRIENDLY?

No, because all products rely on the extraction of natural resources and there is no way to guarantee that no harm has been done to those ecosystems as a result. When something claims a broad win, like “eco-friendly”, it essentially refuses to consider the details of impact and further confuses the relationship between products and the planet. As we’ve mentioned in our definitions of non-toxic and sustainability, products can be more or less harmful to the environment, but never completely without impact.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF A PRODUCT SAYS IT’S ‘ECO-FRIENDLY’?

Try to avoid brands and products that claim to be eco-friendly without supporting their claims or explaining what they mean by it.

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