When you think of eco-friendly, you typically think of environmentally friendly things. After all, that is what the term “eco” normally refers to: something beneficial to the environment. However, being environmentally friendly differs from being eco-friendly. When it comes to items and people, as well as words like ecology and economics, the word eco has many diverse connotations. However, in the field of green marketing, the terms eco-friendly and ecologically friendly have completely different meanings. With so many eco-friendly items on the market today, it can be difficult to distinguish between those that are truly beneficial to the environment and those that are simply greenwashed manufactured goods with appealing labeling. Let’s look at some significant distinctions between eco-friendly and environmentally friendly.
What Does Eco-Friendly Mean?
Something is said to be “eco-friendly” if it has a positive impact on the natural world. It can also use as a noun to describe those who are concerned about the environment. Products like solar panels and biodegradable cups made from cornstarch can be considered “environmentally friendly.” It can also be used to characterize those that prioritize protecting the planet. An eco-friendly person is one who considers the effects of their actions on the natural world. The term “eco-friendly” is more often applied to inanimate objects than living ones. To put it simply, it’s a means to label actions that are beneficial to the planet.
What Does Environmentally Friendly Mean?
If a product claims to be “eco-friendly,” that means it has no negative effects on the environment. The idea behind this product is that it does not negatively effect the environment in any way. That’s different from being environmentally friendly, which is what this is not. Products marketed as “eco-friendly” may really be damaging to the natural world. Coffee cups that can be reused multiple times are a good example of an environmentally friendly product. On the other hand, if these cups aren’t cleansed regularly, they might contribute to pollution by harboring mold and bacteria. Despite their superficial similarities, “eco-friendly” and “ecologically friendly” are not interchangeable descriptors.
The Key Differences Between Eco-Friendly And Environmentally Friendly
- Eco-friendly is something that is good for the environment. Environmentally friendly is a product that has no negative impact on the environment.
- Eco-friendly can have a negative impact on the environment. Environmentally friendly has no negative impact on the environment.
- Eco-friendly is used to describe people and products. Environmentally friendly is a description of a product.
- Eco-friendly and environmentally friendly are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing.
Why Are These Words Confusing?
If a product claims to be “eco-friendly,” that means it has no negative effects on the environment. The idea behind this product is that it does not negatively effect the environment in any way. That’s different from being environmentally friendly, which is what this is not. Products marketed as “eco-friendly” may really be damaging to the natural world. Coffee cups that can be reused multiple times are a good example of an environmentally friendly product. On the other hand, if these cups aren’t cleansed regularly, they might contribute to pollution by harboring mold and bacteria. Despite their superficial similarities, “eco-friendly” and “ecologically friendly” are not interchangeable descriptors.
Conclusion
The terms “eco-friendly” and “environmentally friendly” both relate to actions taken to lessen the environmental damage caused by humans. Although these words are often used synonymously, their meanings are distinct. Production processes and materials are said to be “eco-friendly” if they are not harmful to the environment.
What makes a thing environmentally friendly is how little of an effect it has on the planet when it is eventually thrown away or recycled. Both “eco-friendly” and “environmentally friendly” refer to actions taken to lessen humanity’s destructive footprint on the planet.
When researching green marketing or purchasing environmentally friendly goods, you should be familiar with both of these related but distinct phrases.