Understanding India's Eco-mark Scheme

The Eco-mark is a certification scheme in India that helps consumers identify products that are environmentally friendly. It is administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

What Does the Eco-mark Signify?

The Eco-mark is issued to products that meet specific environmental criteria established for various product categories. These criteria consider the entire lifecycle of the product, from raw material extraction to manufacturing, usage, and disposal.

Key considerations for a product to receive the Eco-mark include:

• Reduced environmental impact compared to other products in the same category.
• Sustainable resource management in production.
• Minimum pollution generation.
• Recyclability, biodegradability, or ease of disposal.
• Energy efficiency during production and use.

Therefore, the fundamental requirement for a product to be issued with the Eco-mark is its commitment to being environment-friendly.

Analyzing the Options Provided

Let's evaluate the given options:

• Products which are cost effective: While consumers often look for cost-effective products, this is related to price and economic factors, not directly to environmental certification schemes like the Eco-mark.
• Products which are not biodegrdable: The Eco-mark generally encourages features like biodegradability, recyclability, and sustainable disposal. Products that are not biodegradable would typically not qualify unless they offer significant environmental benefits in other areas which outweigh this aspect.
• Products which are environment - friendly: This aligns directly with the purpose and criteria of the Eco-mark scheme. The label is specifically designed for products that have a lower impact on the environment.
• Products which are free of adulteration: Being free of adulteration relates to the purity and quality standards of a product, ensuring it is safe and meets specifications. This is important for consumer health and safety but is separate from environmental friendliness certification.

Based on the objectives of the Indian Eco-mark scheme, it is clear that the mark is awarded to products that are designed and produced to have a reduced impact on the environment.

Thus, the Indian Eco-mark is issued to products which are environment - friendly.