Environmental Websites
Certification Agencies and Organizations
According to Prevention Magazine, there are almost 100 different eco-labels in the United States. Some are doled out using mysterious criteria, while others are based on just a few factors and may be given to a product that harms the environment in other ways. Prevention Magazine’s experts say that the most trustworthy guides are the first four on this list:
www.ecologo.org
North America’s most widely recognized and respected certification of environmental leadership. Launched by the Canadian government in 1988.
www.GreenSeal.org
Founded in 1989. Widely recognized for providing science-based environmental certification standards.
www.energystar.gov
Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy hellping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
www.ams.usda.gov
National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standardsfor organic agricultural products. The NOP also accredits the certifying agents (foreign and domestic) who inspect organic production and handling operations to certify that they meet USDA standards.
Other Reputable Certification Organizations
www.EPA.gov/dfe
When you see the DfE logo on a product it means that the DfE scientific review team has screened each ingredient for potential human health and environmental effects and that – based on currently available information, EPA predictive models, and expert judgment – the product contains only those ingredients that pose the least concern among chemicals in their class.
www.usgbc.org
Website for the U.S. Green Building Council LEED
www.carpet-rug.org
The CRI Seal of Approval certifies superior carpet cleaning products and equipment. Their website provides information and facts about carpets and rugs, some of which is based on scientific resources. If you’re choosing new carpets this is the website to visit.
www.greenguard.org
This is a third party organization that establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments and buildings.
www.green-e.org
Claims to be the nation’s leading independent consumer protection program for the sale of renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market. Green-e offers certificaiton and verification of renewable energy and greenhouse gas mitigation products.
Local and national websites to businesses & organizations offering green products, services, resources, grants, and information on recyling, conservation and sustainable living practices.
www.DEQ.state.or.us The Department of Environmental Quality is a regulatory agency that works to protect our environment. Great resource website. Lots of information & resources on recycling and sustainability.
www.eweb.org Eugene Water & Electric Board. EWEB is doing a lot for sustainability in the future of our community. Great resource website.
www.subutil.com Springfield Utility Board. SUB’s Conservation Connection is a clearing house for information about energy-related products and services for home and business owners. Displays showcase a range of energy saving technology, from energy efficient lighting to super efficient washers and dryers.
www.nwalliance.org Their mission is to mobilize the Northwest to become increasingly energy efficient for a sustainable future.
www.bpa.gov Read about BPA’s environmental services and their programs and efforts to protect, rehabilitate and enhance the Northwest’s natural resources.
www.laneelectric.com Some information on conservation and renewable energy, but not much.
www.sanipac.com Sanipac is Springfield and Eugene’s best garbage collection service in our opinion. They have an excellent website that explains their recycling program and provides lots of good information on comingling and recycling with several useful fliers and charts.
www.epud.org The Emerald People’s Utility District has a very nice website with information on a variety of environmental and sustainability issues.
Editors note: This page is still in progress. We’ll be adding more website links as we go along.