Smart Shopper's Non-Food Labels Guide

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Scientific Certification Systems Certified Biodegradable: SCS's standards require testing to show 70 percent biodegradation within 28 days into carbon dioxide, water and minerals under conditions where oxygen is present. Leftover material must not be toxic to aquatic organisms (www.scscertified.com).
Cleaning products

*V* Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) or Processed-Chlorine Free (PCF): Bleached with safer compounds like hydrogen peroxide, TCF paper does not contain recycled fiber. PCF paper is similarly processed, using recycled fibers that have received no additional chlorine-bleaching (www.chlorinefreeproducts.org).
Paper products

UNITE HERE: The label of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees & Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees certifies garments are made in either the U.S. or Canada under fair working conditions (www.unitehere.org).
Clothing

*V* USDA Organic: Certifies organic food-grade ingredients.
Cosmetics and personal care products

SOMEWHAT RELIABLE LABELS

Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) AP (Approved Product) Seal: Although AP products have been reviewed by a toxicologist, ACMI does not conduct independent tests or publish its standards (www.acminet.org).
Art and craft supplies

Conforms to ASTM D 4236: Indicates labeling guidelines required by U.S. law were followed for warning statements identifying hazardous ingredients and directions for safe use of the product. It does not mean the product is necessarily safe.
Art materials

EcoLogo: Wide-ranging eco-label managed by TerraChoice Environmental Marketing with focus on marketing; standards are less rigorous than other Reliable labels above (www.environmentalchoice.com).
Paper, office equipment, cleaners, building materials, packaging, agricultural products and others

Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF): Although eliminating elemental chlorine in favor of derivatives reduces production of carcinogenic dioxins, toxic byproducts, including chloroform, are still possible.
Paper products