Avoid this phony eco-label! Learn why in our report, "SFI: Certified Greenwash."

The Rise of Greenwash eco-labels

In creating greenwash eco-labels, industry manipulates a public that wants to do the right thing – yet the reality behind most of these eco-labels is concealed from public view:

• -- The 'green' market is estimated to be more than $500 billion worldwide.
• -- According to Ecolabel Index’s Global Ecolabel Monitor 2010, there are more than 340 eco-labels worldwide—and 67% of them refused to complete a survey about the standards used to evaluate products and services.

SFI: Poster child of greewash eco-labels

Among the worst of these self-endorsing greenwash eco-label schemes is the ‘Sustainable’ Forestry Initiative (SFI).

• -- Virtually all of SFI’s funding comes from the paper and timber industry.
• -- SFI’s board of directors and its staff is a virtual who’s who from the paper and timber industry.
• -- SFI’s audits do not demonstrate strong scrutiny of the land or of the forest management of the paper and timber industry.

SFI: Approving forest destruction

Harmful practices allowed by the SFI and/or used by SFI approved companies include:

• -- Widespread cutting down of irreplaceable old growth forests and other endangered forests.
• -- Converting natural forests into industrial tree plantations that are not ecologically healthy.
• -- Clear-cutting, road construction, and other operations that harm water quality.
• -- Use of genetically modified trees.
• -- Violating the rights of workers, communities, and indigenous peoples.

Learn how you can take action with ForestEthics.org >>