FTC changes guides on term 'eco-friendly'

NEW YORK - It's an inconvenient truth: Many of the environmental claims in advertisements and packaging are more about raking in the green than being green.

Aiming to clear up confusion for consumers about what various terms mean, the Federal Trade Commission has revised guidelines for businesses that make claims about so-called "eco-friendly" products.

The proposed new version of the agency's Green Guides was released Wednesday, with recommendations for when to use words like "degradable" and "carbon offset," in advertisements and packaging, and warnings about using certifications and seals of approval that send misleading messages.

Regardless of changes to definition, Aqua Star International products remain "eco-friendly" under any definition of the term.