What is GECA?
Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) runs Australia's only independent, not-for-profit, multi-sector ecolabelling program.
Their transparent certification program develops standards against which products and services can be independently audited by JAS-ANZ accredited conformance assessment bodies (CABs). Standards are developed following ISO 14024 principles for global best practice in ecolabelling.
GECA's scheme enables consumers to choose from thousands of certified products and services and have confidence that they have a lower impact on the environment and human health and address important social considerations. They have more Australian products certified than any other scheme.
Why Buy GECA certified products?
We all care about the impact we have on the planet and want to do the right thing through our purchasing decisions. We know how important it is to make sure products or services we bring into our homes and offices are healthy and safe for our families and colleagues, while also minimising the environmental impact of our choices.
Many businesses have realised how crucial their role in this is and have taken steps to improve their products or services by making them more sustainable. Through choosing GECA certified products you are helping yourself and supporting those businesses that are doing the right thing.
The GECA ecolabel shows that a product or service has been rigorously assessed for its impact over its life cycle and it is safer for you and your family or colleagues. When you choose GECA certified products you can have confidence in the environmental and health claims of the product.
Benefits of GECA certified products
Environmentally preferable
Deciding to choose GECA certified products means that you are making a better decision for the environment. GECA certified products or services have been rigorously and independently assessed to ensure they are environmentally preferable. GECA is different from some other ecolabels because it takes into account the environmental impact of a product throughout its life - from where raw materials come from to how the product is eventually disposed of.
Addresses health impacts
GECA understands that you want to protect your family and those around you (not to mention yourself!), which is why they address the impacts that products have on human health. They ensure that their certified products consider the effects of toxic chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or carcinogenic substances on human health.
Considers social impacts
GECA cares about the conditions in which certified products are manufactured, which is why GECA's standards consider the social impacts of the products it certifies, including safer and more ethical working conditions.
Better for business
Purchasing GECA certified products can bring benefits to your business. A healthy and sustainable work environment can improve the health and productivity of your staff as well as offering a cost-effective solution. Furthermore, supporting your environmental aspirations by choosing GECA certified products can also be an important message to give to your staff and other stakeholders.