As more and more companies strive to create increasingly sustainable products with reduced environmental impacts, we see a lot more packaging promoting “carbon neutral” or “carbon negative” products.

What does it mean for a product to be carbon neutral, and what steps do companies have to take to make those claims? 

There is no government standard in the United States to certify a company or a product as carbon neutral. For a company to claim carbon neutrality on its products, they typically go through a three-step process.

First, companies have to evaluate the complete carbon lifecycle of the product. This means everything from the natural resources the product is derived from to the end-waste product it will turn into. The carbon cost must be calculated for every stage of the lifecycle and added up to produce an estimated total carbon footprint for the product. 

Next, companies must find points in the manufacturing, design or distribution process where they can cut emissions by improving efficiency or sustainability practices. This is typically done with the help of a sustainability consultant and can result in huge energy and waste savings. 

Finally, companies re-evaluate their products’ total carbon footprint (after making improvements) and purchase carbon offsets for the remaining carbon of the product.

Carbon offsets are projects, programs, or technological advancements that companies can invest in to reduce or remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere. Several major corporations that provide carbon offset investments to manufacturers also partner with international environmental certifications, such as 1% for the Planet and the Climate Neutral Project. 

Because there is no government standard, companies can achieve “carbon neutrality” for a product in different ways. However, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission can legally penalize companies that claim carbon neutrality without scientific proof.

While greenwashing — the practice of claiming something is environmentally friendly without evidence or truth — is still a common issue in today’s economic market, regulations and standard improvements allow consumers to feel more assured about common environmental claims such as “carbon neutral.” 

Claiming a product as “carbon neutral” rarely means it was produced or distributed with zero-carbon emissions. Purchasing carbon offsets is an easy way for companies to help reduce their environmental impact and implement positive change.

However, the primary focus should always be shifting to more efficient and more sustainable manufacturing practices on the corporate end.

On the consumer side, purchasing “carbon neutral” products over other products is a great way to make sure you are supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability. However, a reduction in the amount of consumables and waste you personally create is always the best way to make a difference.

Next time you purchase a product that claims to be “carbon neutral,” visit the company’s website to find out more about the claim and their environmental practices.

Recycle Utah, your community non-profit drop-off recycling center, provides these weekly tips. Visit their website for more information — www.recycleutah.org.

The post Green Tips: What does it mean for a product to be ‘carbon neutral’? appeared first on Park Record.

Utah is the second-driest state in the United States, making water conservation critical to the sustainability of our communities.

While most of our water goes to agriculture in Utah, there are still important ways you can help save water in your own homes, starting with your lawns and gardens!

One of the most effective methods is xeriscaping, a landscaping approach using drought-resistant, water-wise plants that thrive in dry climates.

Xeriscaping is growing in popularity across the state, thanks in part to the Utah Landscape Conservation Incentive Program from the Utah Division of Natural Resources.

This program offers financial incentives to residents who convert traditional lawns into water-efficient landscapes. To learn more or apply, visit conservewater.utah.gov/landscape-rebates.

If you’re unable to re-landscape, there are still effective ways to reduce water use in your yard. For one, water your lawn during the cooler parts of the day, ideally before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m., when less water is lost to evaporation. Many sprinkler systems can be set on a timer for convenience — just make sure they’re aimed at your lawn and not watering sidewalks or driveways.

Drip irrigation systems are another way to save on water consumption and avoid evaporation. These systems involve installing a small tube running up to an inch below the dirt to release water at a steady rate closer to the roots of the plants.

Similarly, Ollas are used to deliver water directly to the roots of plants in situations in which drip irrigation may not be ideal. This ancient technique involves burying a terracotta pot in the soil and filling it with water. The porous terracotta leaks the water to the roots of the plants at a steady rate and no water is lost to evaporation.

Ollas can be purchased at many garden centers, or you can repurpose old terracotta pots on hand.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a casual lawn caretaker, there are many easy ways to help conserve water in Summit County. Every drop counts — do your part to make a difference!

Recycle Utah, your community non-profit drop-off recycling center, provides these weekly tips. Visit their website for more information: www.recycleutah.org.

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