Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 8 Consumer Services 215
In response to consumers’ needs for sustainable products, many
companies are changing their manufacturing processes. They are using
more environmentally friendly and health conscious materials and
packaging. They are also meeting environmental leadership standards
to produce more sustainable products. These
“greener” products typically include labels such
as energy effi cient, made from recycled content, or
biodegradable (Figure 8.13). Biodegradable means
that a product can break down or decompose
naturally without harming the environment.
In addition to the sustainability of product
materials and packaging, many consumers also
care about a company’s social sustainability.
Social sustainability involves issues such
as human rights; fair labor laws; community
development; and health, safety, and wellness.
Before purchasing items, consumers want to
make sure the companies from which they are
buying are being socially responsible.
Handling Consumer Complaints
To handle consumer problems with
products, manufacturers and sellers often have
policies for warranty repairs or replacements
Figure 8.12 Consumers who practice sustainable shopping techniques help combat the
depletion or destruction of resources. Which of these sustainable shopping techniques do
you practice? Can you think of other techniques to add to this list?
Sustainable Shopping Techniques
• Learn about how a product is produced and how it can be disposed of
before purchasing.
• Look for products that are reusable, not disposable. For example, use
cloth napkins rather than paper napkins. Use a reusable stainless steel or
aluminum water bottle filled with tap water rather than bottled water.
• Buy products in bulk to avoid single-packaged items. Store items in reusable
glass containers rather than plastic ones.
• Take your own shopping bag with you to avoid using plastic bags.
• Buy used items or buy items to share with others.
• Take advantage of the local library or used book store.
• Look for products that use recycled materials or are energy efficient. Labels
such as Energy Star or EPEAT help identify energy efficient products.
• Buy locally grown fruits and vegetables and organic foods.
• Choose Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certifi ed seafood.
• Look for biodegradable cleaning products.
Ye Liew/Shutterstock.com
Figure 8.13 Special labels such as this one enable
consumers to identify products that are biodegradable.
Have you seen a label like this on any products you
have purchased?