A guide to standards and certifications available to businesses and products.
Green America’s Green Business Certification
Green America is dedicated to harnessing the economic power of consumers, investors and businesses to promote social justice and environmental sustainability. Businesses displaying the Green America Seal have successfully completed our green business certification process.
More Standards and Certifications
Bird Friendly
A certification created by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC). Bird Friendly standards are the strictest of the third-party environmental standards.
Certified Biodegradable
A certification assessment formatted to confirm that chemicals are not entering the environment at an alarming rate at which it becomes harmful. Products are also tested to verify if they can degrade safely.
Certified Humane Raised and Handled
A certification and labeling program that is “the only animal welfare label requiring the humane treatment of farm animals from birth through slaughter”. One of several that address animal welfare in meat and dairy production.
Certified Organic
USDA’s National organic Program regulates the standards for any farm, wild crop harvesting, or handling operations that wants to sell an agricultural product as organically produced.
Certified Vegan
A certification process in which an individual product may represent the logo if it does not contain animal products or byproducts and has not been tested on animals.
Cruelty Free
An international standards and certification program to end animal testing for cosmetic, personal care and household cleaning products. Endorses companies that meet the criteria of the Humane Standards.
Dolphin Safe
A certification that is part of the Tuna Tracking & Verification Program (US Department of Commerce) in which one of the requirements are tuna canners must submit a report of all tuna received at their facility in each month.
Fairtrade Labeling Organization
25 organizations working to secure a better deal for producers through establishment of international fair trade standards and support for fair trade producers.
Fair Trade USA
Certifier of Fair Trade products in the US.
Fair Trade Federation
The trade association for North American companies fully committed to supporting artisans in developing countries through the practice of fair trade. Focus on hand crafted items and textiles/ apparel.
Food Alliance
Operates a voluntary certification program based on standards that define sustainable agricultural practices and also includes auditing services.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The leading certifier for wood, paper and packing products globally. FSC coordinates the development of forest management standards throughout the different regions of the U.S. and the consumption of goods from well managed forests. Includes third party auditing against their standards.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
Globally recognized as the leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibers. It defines high level environmental criteria on the entire supply chain for organic textiles and requires compliance with social criteria.
GreenGuard
GreenGuard Certification enforces established standards on products for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
GreenSeal
Develops sustainability standards for products, services and companies and offers third-party certification. Also uses science-based programs to promote a more sustainable world.
IMO Fair for Life
A third party fair trade certification program in agricultural, manufacturing, and trading operations.
International Labour Organization
The international organization responsible for developing and overseeing international labor standards. It is the only ‘tripartite’ United Nations agency that brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers to jointly shape policies and programs promoting Decent Work For All.
ISO 14000
Developed by the International Organization for Standardization, the world’s largest developer and publisher of international standards, this is a series of international standards on environmental management. It provides a framework for a holistic, strategic approach to an organization’s environmental policy, plans and actions.
Leaping Bunny
This program administers a cruelty-free standard and provides assurance that no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company and its associates. The standard and certification applies to bodycare and household cleaning products.
Marine Stewardship Council
The MSC has developed standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability. It is the world’s leading certification program for sustainable wild-capture seafood.
NutriClean
The Scientific Certification Systems’ (SCS) Pesticide Residue Free Certification assures that the produce contains no pesticide residues in final product. Does not comment on the use of pesticides and herbicides in growing or processing.
Oeko-Tex
Independent testing and certification system for textiles from all stages of production; fiber, yarn, fabric, apparel and accessories. Includes certification of environmentally friendly production facilities according to their standards and products are tested for harmful substances.
Rainforest Alliance
Works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices, and consumer behavior. Farms are certified using the criteria of the Sustainable Agriculture Network.
SA8000
An auditable certification standard based on international workplace norms of the ILO conventions, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Salmon Safe
The certification of farms that follow healthy practices where the population of Pacific Salmon may thrive.
World Fair Trade Organization
A global network that advocates for the interests of producers, especially small farmers and artisans, and enables them to improve their livelihoods and communities through fair trade.
