Smart Shopper's Non-Food Labels Guide

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Forest Stewardship Council: Oversees a rigorous chain-of-custody system of standards ensuring labeled wood products (and paper) hail from responsibly managed forests (www.fscus.org).
Lumber, wood and paper products.

*V* Green Seal: Addresses products' environmental impacts from manufacturing through disposal. The logo contains a description of the basis for certification and lists the type of recycled material used (e.g. post-consumer) (www.greenseal.org).
Hand cleaners, electric chillers, lodging properties, paints & coatings, papers & newsprint, windows & doors.

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM): Certifies organically-grown fibers and other agricultural products worldwide (www.ifoam.org).
Linens and fabrics

*V* The Leaping Bunny: Certified companies agree to follow the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals and commit in writing not to conduct or commission animal testing (www.leapingbunny.org).
Cosmetics, personal care and household products

LEED Certification for Homes: An offshoot of the rigorous LEED standards for commercial buildings, LEED's residential certification is currently a pilot program (www.usgbc.org/leed).
Residential construction

Low- and No-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds): Reduces smog-causing and carcinogenic chemicals in products, though EPA rules governing these labels are based on outdoor environmental standards instead of indoor air health standards. When picking reduced-VOC products, choose latex over oil paints and water-based over solvent-based adhesives. Be sure to ventilate all rooms in which low- or no-VOC products have been used until surfaces have cured.
Paints, building materials and carpet

Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content: Preferred to pre-consumer content because it keeps more waste out of landfills, the label does not have to list the specific type of recycled materials used. Seek the highest percentage of PCR content.
Wood products, packaging, plastics and other items.

PVC-Free: Indicates a product does not contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl, which can contain hormone-distrupting phthalates. However, if products are packaged in PVC packaging, they may pick up some phthalate residues.
Toys, sports shoes and clothing accessories, office and art supplies, building materials and other items.

*V* Rainforest Alliance's Rediscovered Wood: Certifies salvaged, reclaimed and recycled wood, tracking materials through their complete producton process (www.ra-smartwood.org).
Reclaimed wood