Ground rules for the green scene

As many of your customers have decided that their favorite color is green, they’ve also become more sophisticated with regards to the products they’re using to enhance their homes and landscapes. In turn, they’re seeking items that deliver both aesthetic and environmental benefits – and they’re turning to retailers who know their way around both of those blocks.

Gone are the days when you can simply say your business is “green.” Now, thanks to a variety of programs designed to define and sanction organic and sustainable practices, you have to deliver the goods that are, indeed, good for the earth. Here is a look at some labels that pack a punch with the “This Generation” customer – and that will become only more prevalent in the discernment process that helps her decide where to shop.

USDA Certified Organic
The U.S. Department of Agriculture created the National Organic Program (NOP) to develop, implement and administer national production, handling and labeling standards for organic agricultural/horticultural products. The NOP also accredits the 100 certifying agents (foreign and domestic) who inspect organic production and handling operations to certify that they meet USDA standards. USDA certification is issued to those growers and material producers who adhere to strict production methods involving pesticides, fertilizers and growing practices that are less harmful to the environment. www.usda.gov

OMRI Listed
This distinction is granted by the Organic Materials Review Institute for products (pesticides, fertilizers, etc.) that are safe for USDA Certified Organic Growers to use and still maintain their organic certification. 
 
OMRI is a national nonprofit organization that determines which input products are allowed for use in organic production and processing. OMRI’s funding comes from a variety of sources, including sales of publications, grants, donations and subscriptions. Mainly, however, the organization generates income through fees collected for the review of products intended for use in organic production or processing. www.omri.org

VeriFlora Certified Sustainably Grown
VeriFlora is an agricultural sustainability certification and eco-labeling program recognized as the gold-standard in the floriculture and horticulture industries. The program is administered by Scientific Certification Systems, a global third-party certifier of environmental, sustainability and agricultural product quality claims. Accredited under ISO/IEC Guide 65, the international standard for third-party product certifiers, VeriFlora:

• Delivers tangible results that benefit growers, workers, consumers, and the environment.
• Meets consumer demand for sustainably grown cut flowers and pot plants.
• Helps assure product quality and longevity. www.veriflora.com