Everywhere you look, manufacturers are describing their products as “natural” and “organic.” The fact is, the majority of people
are actually reading labels more, and trying to make better choices; for their health and the environment. This has forced companies to be more forthcoming in their advertising about ingredients they use in the products that we buy. But are the descriptions true? Not necessarily.
Believe it or not, there are no laws or specific requirements a company must follow in order to label a product as natural. So any business can label their goods as being all natural, or earth friendly, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are. The environmental and green movements caused many corporations to have to redesign their labels, touting themselves as health and environmentally conscious, to stay competitive.
There are a couple of labels that businesses can use that actually mean they have standards to adhere by. One is from The
Natural Products Association. For a product to carry this label it cannot contain petrochemical ingredients, formaldehyde, parabens or phthalates. They also cannot contain more than 5 percent synthetic ingredients, and those ingredients can’t be toxic. Additionally, there are other guidelines that manufacturers have to follow to earn the certified seal.
The other label that has specific standards is “organic”, or “certified organic.” This is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and is monitored by the federal government and certain consumer watch groups. Organic agriculture is based on management practices that enhance, restore or maintain environmental harmony; as well as other specific requirements that must be followed.
Merchandise that carries the Natural Products Association seal did so voluntarily; there are no mandatory laws requiring all companies to do this. While the organic or certified organic label does require specific standards to be met.

