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How to Read Labels and Make Sustainable Choices

Come Leggere le Etichette e Fare Scelte Sostenibili
In the information age, correctly reading the labels of the products we buy is an essential skill for those who want to make informed and sustainable choices. Knowing the details of what we buy helps us support the environment, our health and local economies. But how can you read a label accurately and choose the best products? Let's find out together what are the main aspects to consider.

1. Look for Sustainability Certifications

Certifications are official symbols that indicate that the product has followed certain environmental or social standards. Here are some of the most common certifications:

  • Bio: The European organic label, for example, guarantees that a product has been grown without the use of chemical pesticides and that it follows sustainable agriculture standards.
  • Fair Trade: This certification indicates that the product has been produced respecting ethical standards, such as fair wages for workers and decent working conditions.
  • Rainforest Alliance: This label certifies that the product has been produced protecting biodiversity and promoting the well-being of local communities.
These brands are indicative of the company's desire to respect the environment and human rights. Carefully reading the certifications on the labels allows you to immediately understand if a product has been produced in an ethical and sustainable way.

2. Choose Simple and Natural Ingredients

A clear and legible label is an indicator of a genuine product. If you find a long list of ingredients with complex chemical names, it could be a sign that the product contains additives, preservatives and non-natural ingredients. On the contrary, foods with few ingredients - better if those commonly used such as flour, natural vegetable oils, honey - are usually less processed and therefore healthier and more sustainable.

3. Check the Provenance

The provenance of the ingredients is another important element for making sustainable choices. Local products not only reduce the environmental impact related to transportation, but are often fresh and more nutritious. Always look for the geographical origin of the products or key ingredients, such as fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products, to prefer companies that promote the short supply chain and the local economy.

4. Avoid Environmentally Harmful Ingredients

Many products contain ingredients that have a strong environmental impact. For example, palm oil is often linked to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Opt for products that use sustainable vegetable oils, such as certified olive oil or coconut oil. Also avoid ingredients from intensive cultivation, such as GMO soy, and choose less impactful alternatives.

5. Pay Attention to Plastic and Packaging

The label can also indicate details about packaging. Look for products with recyclable or compostable packaging and, if possible, avoid plastic altogether. Some companies are developing new eco-friendly packaging solutions, such as biodegradable containers or recycled materials, and this choice can make a big difference in reducing waste.

6. Check the Expiration Date and Shelf Life

Preferring products with a longer shelf life, such as legumes and dry cereals, helps reduce food waste. Furthermore, if you have any doubts about the freshness or shelf life of a product, carefully reading the expiration date will allow you to better plan your purchases and consume food in accordance with its life cycle, helping to reduce food waste.

7. Beware of Misleading Words

Words like “natural,” “artisanal,” or “without preservatives” can be misleading. Sometimes they are used as marketing strategies to attract consumers without offering real added value. In these cases, check if the product has an official certification or if the list of ingredients confirms what is declared. Carefully reading every part of the label is essential to avoid falling into the traps of greenwashing.

8. Reduce Ultra-Processed Products

Ultra-processed foods often require high energy consumption to be produced and contain artificial ingredients, additives and added sugars. Limiting these products and opting for fresh foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, helps reduce the environmental impact and promote a healthier and more sustainable diet.

9. Choose Products with Renewable Energy

Some products label the use of renewable energy in their production. If a company uses wind, solar or hydroelectric energy to power its factories, it significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Buying from these companies helps support low environmental impact production models.

10. Support Companies with a Clear Sustainability Policy

Many companies dedicate a part of the label to their environmental mission or policy. If a company shares information about its initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as energy saving, waste management or biodiversity protection, it could be a more sustainable option. Looking for this information and reading carefully allows you to make more informed choices.

Conclusions

Making sustainable choices starts with small daily actions and the ability to read labels correctly. Knowing the symbols, distinguishing the ingredients and evaluating the packaging helps not only to make more conscious purchases, but also to contribute to the protection of our planet. By taking the time to analyze the labels, we can support ethical and sustainable companies, improve our health and reduce the environmental impact, one purchase at a time.