This post is Part Four in a series of posts based on discussions with John Polak, chair of the Global Ecolabelling Network. Click for Part One, Part Two or Part Three.

Government interest in the environment and green procurement stems from more than just a desire to save the planet. John Polak brought up the good point that the convergence of environmental and health concerns is driving changes in government policies. In a relatively new development, governments have begun to look at the environment and health from a chemical perspective. A lot of chemicals that are bad for the environment tend to be bad for people too, and politically, “Save the people!” can be a more compelling call to arms than “Save the planet!”

For example, nothing galvanizes consumers/voters more than a health risk discovered in a mass-produced product. Think of the recent lead scare around toys manufactured in China. According to John, that debacle simply exacerbated the issue of not having appropriate safeguards in place to minimize the risks of exposure to hazardous materials. It wasn’t an environmental issue to start, but it certainly has environmental implications.

John also pointed out, along those lines, that the best way to get traction on chemical issues is to focus on the very young. Apparently in Norway new mothers leave the hospital with their new babies and ecolabel gift bags. Maybe there’s a role for healthcare and health insurance providers in promoting the green movement. Should there be EcoLogo-certified products in your doctor’s office? Should government-based health initiatives and organizations more closely link themselves to ecolabelling efforts?

Posted by Mari in Environmental standards