Most of the decisions we make every day have an environmental impact. Most people know that riding a bicycle to work is less damaging to the environment than driving a car. And we know that putting an extra jumper on in winter creates less greenhouse gases than turning on the heater.

As consumers, we make decisions every day about what we buy. We might select a product because it's less expensive, has a brand we are familiar with, or because we think it will last longer than the alternative product. However these days many consumers also want to make their purchasing decision based on environmental factors. .  Because different products have different environmental impacts it is important to be able to select products that are better from an environmental point of view. The problem is it's often hard to know which product is better for the environment. If you go shopping for paint, shampoo, a computer, furniture, magazines, dishwashing detergent, clothes and many other products, it can be very hard to make a decision with the environment in mind. The information just isn't there and some manufacturers make claims their products simply don’t support.

The good news is these choices are getting easier by looking for the Good Environmental Choice label.

Who is GECA?

Good Environmental Choice Australia is not for profit organisation that provides the community, industry and government with a simple way to identify environmentally preferable products.  GECA certification is awarded to products that meet voluntary standards for environmental impact, social responsibility and fitness for purpose in a wide range of product categories. It provides an independent assessment of products and services based on internationally recognised methods and employing a national network of registered assessors.

The primary purpose of GECA is to manage the development of this ecolabelling program by working with industry, academia and government to develop standards across a wide range of industries and to overview the administration of the verification and certification program. GECA also provides guidance to manufacturers, suppliers, service providers and purchasing authorities so they have better information and opportunities on topics surrounding environmental design, environmental consumerism, green procurement and corporate environmental management. The overall aim of GECA is defined in the international standard which guides this certification scheme (ISO 14024).

To encourage the demand for and supply of products which reduce the stress on the environment during their entire life-cycle.

 

GECA is a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network that serves to coordinate and promote scientifically responsible ecolabelling worldwide in accordance with ISO 14024.

What is the Good Environmental Choice Label?

The Good Environmental Choice Label is the only certification program that provides an independent assessment of the environmental performance of a product or service from a whole of product life perspective and relative to publicly available, voluntary standards that reflect best environmental practices in each product category.

The label is awarded to products that meet standards that have been created and assessed in conformance to international environmental labeling methods.  As a result, the GECA mark makes it easy for consumers and purchasing managers to identify environmentally preferable products. In the same sense it provides manufacturers and service organizations with a standard for environmental performance and a basis for promoting their products when they meet this standard.

GECA aims to use the best scientific and technical minds in developing standards that are suitable for the Australian market and government policy for ecologically sustainable development. The program is internationally recognised and growing in demand and awareness throughout Australia. 

By looking for and being aware of products and services that have been awarded the GECA label you will be making a better environmental choice.

If you are a manufacturer and would like to find more information as to how to apply for recognition with the Good Environmental Choice Label for Australia go to the official GECA website: www.geca.com.au