There is no arguing that the green movement has thousands of consumers searching the shopping aisles for the best “green” deals they can find. The problem for many consumers is that there are so many products to choose from and so little time to research them all. That is, until now. iPhone users have a new tool at their disposal thanks to a new application created by GoodGuide, a group that provides free and easy access to reliable sources of information on a products health and ethics.
The GoodGuide App for the iPhone is a recent upgrade from the 2008 version where users could type in the name of a product and instantly receive information on a product’s health, environmental and social impacts. With the latest version of the App, users can simply point the iPhone camera at a product’s barcode and instantly receive the same useful information. This is an excellent tool that should help consumers look past marketing claims and into the actual contents and lifecycle of the product. Best of all… it’s free!
Using nearly 200 sources, including government databases and studies by nonprofits and academics, the team at GoodGuide has come up with ratings for around 75,000 products.
The App is meant to be a guide rather than a rulebook to point consumers in the right direction. Many of the parts of the lifecycle and ingredients are not included in the rating, which is why it is also important to look for credible third-party eco-labels such as EcoLogo and Green Seal. These programs ensure that products bearing their logo meet stringent environmental standards that have been verified by a third-party auditor.
The GoodGuide application is available at the iPhone App Store and is recommended to any responsible consumer looking for some quick and easy guidance when doing their shopping. Consumers can also download a handy wallet guide from sinsofgreenwashing.org, which includes tips to avoid purchasing products that commit the Seven Sins of Greenwashing and a guide to eco-labels chart.
For more information on GoodGuide, visit their web site www.goodguide.com.
Posted by WadeMetcalfe in Green home, Green products, Health