The language of “better” products is everywhere and it can feel both hopeful and confusing. Words like clean, green, and sustainable are often used interchangeably but they don’t actually mean the same thing.
Here’s a simple guide to what many of the buzziest buzz words point to, where to stay curious, and how to navigate it all with more confidence.
“Clean”
Clean is one of the loosest terms. It’s a marketing term, not a regulated standard, and there’s no universal legal definition. As a result, it’s up to individual brands to decide what it means for them. For some, that might mean omitting certain ingredients. For others, “clean” may include ethical sourcing, manufacturing practices, supply chain transparency, and/or packaging…
But this is where it gets tricky. Because even if a product is formulated without specific ingredients, if it is then housed in plastic that can still leach harmful chemicals…is it clean?
What does clean include, and what does it leave out?
“Green”
The little green plant symbol must mean this is good for the environment…right?! Not necessarily. “Green” is another unregulated term, and it’s often used in ways that can lead to greenwashing - marketing that suggests environmental benefit without measurable impact.
In many cases, a “green” claim points to one positive choice (like compostable packaging or carbon-neutral shipping), but that doesn’t make the entire product, or brand, sustainable.
“Sustainable”
Sustainability, as we know it today, was defined by the United Nations in 1987 as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The concept is often understood through three pillars: environmental, social, and economic.
In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission provides guidance through its Green Guides to help prevent misleading environmental marketing claims. While these guides are not legally binding, companies can still be held accountable under consumer protection laws if their claims are deceptive or unsubstantiated.
In contrast, the European Union has developed more robust and enforceable frameworks, such as standardized reporting requirements and classification systems, that regulate how sustainability is defined and communicated in certain contexts. However, even in the EU, sustainability is not governed by a single universal definition.
“Natural” vs. “Chemical”
A helpful way to think about this:
Lead is natural, but we don’t want it in our skincare.
Water is a chemical, and we need it to survive.
“Natural” is not a safety guarantee, it’s just a description of origin. There are plenty of natural substances that can irritate or harm us, just as there are many synthetic, lab-made ingredients that are actually more stable, more consistent, and sometimes safer than their natural counterparts.
So as consumers, what do we do with all of this?
The most realistic approach is to define your own non-negotiables. Some examples:
- Fragrance-Free Formulas
- Recyclable or Refillable Packaging
- Full Ingredient Disclosure
Then, support brands that meet those priorities, rather than trying to decode every claim. Every purchase is like a vote for the world you want, and over time with enough consumer demand…these are the things that can shape a marketplace.
Some tips:
ONE: look for full ingredient transparency
Check the packaging or the brand’s website.
Tools like the Environmental Working Group (or EWG) skindeep database can help you better understand ingredient safety. A good rule of thumb is to look for products that are 3 and lower, or even better EWG verified. If you can’t find a specific product, you can also build your own report.
TWO: look for third party verifications and certifications
Certifications offer measurable standards, but no single one tells the whole story.
Some stamps of approval include:
Ingredient safety: EWG Verified, Made Safe
Cruelty‑free: Leaping Bunny, Vegan Certified
Organic sourcing: USDA Organic, GOTS
Social & environmental: B Corp, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance
Eco performance: EU Ecolabel, Green Seal, Cradle to Cradle
Material safety: OEKO‑TEX
Packaging: BPI Certified Compostable, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), PEFC, Post-Consumer Recycled Content (with specified %), How2Recycle
THREE: look for measurable impact claims
Instead of vague phrases like “eco-friendly,” look for specifics:
- "Made with 80% post -consumer recycled material"
- "X number of bottles diverted from the landfill"
Why this matters (and how we approach it at Bridge)
The perk of shopping with us? We do the bulk of this work for you! We’re in direct relationship with most of the brands we carry, asking the questions, nudging for better practices, and looking for ways to close the loop wherever possible.
For example: Will Humble Suds take back their 2 oz concentrate bottles to reuse? Yes! They will close the loop on their packaging. Bring them back!
For products that are not immediately refillable, we’re actively encouraging brands to rethink packaging so materials can be cleaned, reused, and kept in circulation longer.
It’s also why we
- don't offer printed receipts
- don't use business cards
- don't provide bags
These are small, intentional choices, but they add up.
By bringing your own containers to refill locally, choosing products and the amount you actually need, and supporting brands doing things thoughtfully, you’re taking steps in the direction of
Zero-Waste Living. A buzzy phrase with measurable impact.
The modern zero-waste movement began in the 1970s in California and was initially focused on reducing industrial waste. Over time, it evolved into a broader environmental goal and eventually a personal lifestyle practice.
And just to clarify, Zero-waste doesn’t mean no waste (we are humans, after all.) Instead, it’s a set of guiding principles:
- Refuse what you don't need
- Reduce consumption
- Reuse and repair
- Recycle what you can't refuse or reuse
- Refill to reduce single-use packaging
- Rot aka compost!
This is really the heart of our store.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: it’s not about perfection, it’s a practice. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing something. But when we come together as a community, the weight comes off our individual shoulders. “Choosing better” starts to feel less like individual pressure and more like a shared opportunity for learning, growth, and responsibility.