Words like eco-friendly, natural and recyclable are common on listings. The US Federal Trade Commission's Green Guides explain how such claims should be handled by sellers. They are guidance for marketers, not a seal of approval.

This guide is based on the public sources listed at the end. We have not tested the products or services mentioned.

What the Green Guides cover

The FTC page says the guides help marketers avoid misleading environmental claims. They cover:

  • general principles for all environmental claims;
  • how consumers are likely to understand specific claims;
  • how to back claims up with evidence;
  • how to qualify claims;
  • certifications and seals, "renewable" materials and energy, and carbon offsets.

They were first issued in 1992 and revised in 1996, 1998 and 2012. The FTC sought comment on updates from December 2022 and held a workshop on "recyclable" claims on 23 May 2023. The page does not say whether the review ended or whether changes were adopted, and it does not address "compostable" or "eco-friendly" specifically.

Questions a shopper can ask

  • What does the claim refer to: the material, the packaging or the process?
  • Is there a named certification you can look up?
  • Does the listing explain the claim, or only use the word?

The FTC's guides say such claims should not mislead. Whether a particular claim is lawful is not something a shopper can tell from a listing.

See also our guide to independent beauty brands.

Last checked: 15 October 2026. Sources: US FTC, Green Guides.