Washington - The Federal Trade Commission plans to revise its "Green Guides" by clarifying what constitutes a valid claim - including use of product certifications, seals of approval, and claims that about renewable energy, renewable materials and carbon offsets.

The government is seeking public comment on the proposed changes until Dec. 10.

"In recent years, businesses have increasingly used ‘green' marketing to capture consumers' attention and move Americans toward a more environmentally friendly future. But what companies think green claims mean and what consumers really understand are sometimes two different things," said FTC chairman Jon Leibowitz. "The proposed updates to the Green Guides will help businesses better align their product claims with consumer expectations

"Organic" claims made for textiles and other products derived from agricultural products are covered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program.

One of the changes the FTC is considering would advise marketers who tout the use of "renewable materials" or "renewable energy" to provide specific information about the materials and type of energy used. The review also covers claims about recyclable products.
The Green Guides were first issued in 1992 and most recently revised in 1998.