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Progress in science and technology has led to increase in consumerism globally. This has led to a dramatic rise in the purchasing power of many people. Although this development is welcome as it assures a decent standard of living for many people, there are also problems because of increased purchasing power. As a result, substandard products and services are made available at a higher price. People face several problems while purchasing the product.
Are they getting a product which is worth the cost? Are the products free from toxic chemicals, pesticides and adulterants?
Consumer education is the only solution to these doubts and issues. Consumer education may be defined as imparting knowledge to a consumer regarding cost effectiveness, budgeting ability and developing awareness of purchase.
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Need and importance of consumer education
The economic status of a country and the welfare of its citizens are linked to each other. Both of these can be achieved only when the people of the country are able to make right choices in their purchases, so that they get value for their money. Consumer education is the only tool that can assure this protection to consumers for the following reasons:
- Provides necessary skills to select the right type of goods and services from a huge available range.
- Enables consumers to assess the market situation and make proper decisions.
- Reduces the number of complaints against cheating on the quantity and quality of products and services.
- Overcome poverty and promotes ethical values and human rights.
- Ensure sustainable consumption by using Eco-friendly products.
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Efficient and Eco-friendly Practices
Eco-friendly products are those which ensure natural use of resources without harming the environment.
Eco-friendly products
Some examples of efficient and Eco-friendly technologies from the Indian sub-continent
- Janata refrigerator: Earthen pot-in-pot units are used to keep vegetables fresh for a few days.
- Treadle pumps: Foot-operated pumps which are used to draw water from wells.
- Sand filter: Slow sand filters are used to filter water.
- Use of Compost: Manure made from organic waste.
- Earthen cups and glasses are Eco-friendly.
- Plates made of green leaves replace Styrofoam plates.
- Use of Bio pesticides.
Construction Housing
Construction focus is on developing designs that optimize the use of solar energy to cut down the electricity bill. Fly ash bricks and plastic doors are becoming popular. These are made from recycled material instead of natural resources.
ECO Mark
The Government of India launched the Eco-labeling scheme known as ‘ECO Mark’ in 1991 for easy identification of environment-friendly products. The aim of the scheme is to help the consumers to easily identify and encourage to purchase those products which are less harmful to the environment.
Criteria of ECO Mark
Any product that is made, used and disposed of in a manner that significantly reduces the harm to the environment, can be labelled with ECO Mark.
The criteria for awarding Eco–mark covers all stages of product. It is also called as cradle-to-grave approach. Main parameters include the source and type of raw materials used, judicious use of natural resources, energy efficient production, waste management and biodegradability of products.
The requirements for ECO Mark are as follows:
- Products to meet the relevant standards of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- The products to display the list of critical ingredient in descending order of quantity.
- The packaging to display the criteria, based on which the product has been labelled environment friendly with details instructions for proper use.
- The material used for packaging to be reusable / recyclable / biodegradable.
ECO Mark has been notified for 16 product categories by the Eco-mark technical committee. These are mainly soap and detergents, paper, food items, lubricating oils, packaging materials, paints, batteries, electronic goods, cosmetics, plastic products, leather etc.
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