What Does "Eco" Really Mean?

Eco, organic, natural, pure... These words sound like music to our ears – especially for those who care about their health and the environment.
But is everything labeled "eco" truly as pure and ethical as it promises to be?

What Does "Eco" Actually Mean?

The word "eco" comes from the Greek word oikos, meaning "home" or "household."
Today, "eco" generally refers to products or services that are produced in an environmentally friendly way – using as few synthetic substances, chemicals, and energy as possible.
Real eco-products follow strict certification standards like ECOCERT, EU Organic, USDA Organic, and other internationally recognized systems.

But here’s where it gets tricky.

Greenwashing – When "Green" Is Just a Marketing Trick

"Greenwashing" means that companies portray their products or activities as much greener, more sustainable, and more environmentally friendly than they actually are.

For example, a product label might be green and use words like "natural" or "eco-friendly," even though the product itself contains environmentally harmful ingredients or is produced in ways that are far from sustainable.
Often, these words appear on packaging or in marketing materials without any official certifications.

Example of greenwashing:
A cosmetics brand promotes its shampoo as having "natural extracts," but when you check the ingredient list, you find that only a tiny fraction of the formula is plant-based, and the rest is full of synthetic preservatives and sulfates.

Eco Is Not Always 100% "Pure"

Many people believe that "eco" automatically means "completely safe" or "completely natural," but that’s not always the case.
For instance:

• Eco products can still cause allergies – natural ingredients like essential oils can trigger irritations or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

• Eco-certifications allow some synthetic ingredients – certain synthetic preservatives are permitted in small amounts to ensure product stability.

• Eco-friendly farming doesn’t mean zero environmental impact – even organic farming requires significant land and resource use.

How to Recognize Truly Eco-Friendly Products?

• Look for trustworthy certifications – like ECOCERT, COSMOS Organic, EU Organic label.

• Read the ingredient list – don’t rely just on flashy marketing claims; check the fine print.

• Research the brand – truly sustainable brands are usually transparent about their production, values, and supply chains.

• Think about the bigger picture – sometimes a locally made, simply packaged "ordinary" product is more environmentally friendly than a heavily marketed, imported eco-certified item.

Final Thoughts

True "eco" is more than just a label on a package.
It’s a set of values, transparency, and conscious choices – from both producers and consumers.
Let’s not be fooled by green marketing slogans – let’s ask more questions, dig deeper, and choose with real care.