What those certifications on your purchases really mean
With the gift-giving season upon us and endless shopping options available, you may be asking yourself where to start looking. If you’re trying to shop consciously, it can be difficult to discern which products are sweatshop-free, eco-friendly, sustainably-sourced, and fair to employees. It can also be confusing to figure out what these certifications actually mean, and therefore decide if these products are worth the extra money they may cost. Keep in mind that while these are great indicators of verified sustainable practices, many other companies practice sustainability and pay fair wages, though you will have to do your own research. Whether you’re shopping for a present or greeting card, dining out or buying ingredients for a home-cooked meal, here are some of the most popular sustainable certifications you can find on local products and services.
B Corporations
This international certification is one of the most rigorous, ensuring that companies who earn their B Corp Certification meet the highest standards of social and environmental expectations. The nonprofit B Lab verifies that a company has scored at least 80 out of 200 points in their assessment, which rate the company’s employee benefits, sustainable practice throughout the entire supply chain, legal structure, volunteer and charity efforts, and more.
- Certified B Corps in Guelph include:
- Sweet Temptations Cupcakery
- Cupanion
- Grey Rock Clothing Co.
- Grosche Coffee & Tea boutique
- Miijidaa Cafe + Bistro
- And more that can be found through B Corporation’s online directory.
Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that works to ensure environmental, social, and economic sustainability to conserve biodiversity by exercising responsible land management as well as help generate income for Indigenous communities. Their green frog symbol is found on certified products such as:
- Paper products
- Coffee and tea
- Cosmetics
- Tourism services
Fairtrade
This independent third-party certification ensures that farmers and other producers receive fair pay, have safe working conditions (no child labour), and help increase the economy of small communities.
U of G became the first Fairtrade campus in Ontario in 2012, and as such, offers only fair-trade coffee at hospitality locations on campus, as well as at least three tea Fairtrade options and one chocolate, where available. Local coffee chain Planet Bean is a Fairtrade certified operation.
Bullfrog Power
This Canadian green energy company provides renewable energy to its clients. Rather than directly powering companies, Bullfrog ensures that energy from renewable sources (such as wind, low-impact hydro, and renewable biogas) are put into the grid on behalf of the client company.
Bullfrog Power is a B Corporation and its independent Guelph clients include The Wooly Pub and Mirexus.