# Sustainability Messaging Quality Checklist

## 1. Claim Accuracy (8 items)
- [ ] Every claim can be backed by a specific document, certificate, or data set
- [ ] No vague terms used without qualification ("eco-friendly," "green," "natural," "sustainable")
- [ ] Quantified claims use accurate, current numbers
- [ ] Comparative claims specify the baseline and methodology
- [ ] Claims match the actual scope (product, packaging, brand, or specific component)
- [ ] No expired certifications referenced
- [ ] Claims are up to date (based on current practices, not planned ones)
- [ ] Aspirational claims clearly labeled as goals with timelines

## 2. Regulatory Compliance (7 items)
- [ ] Claims comply with FTC Green Guides (US sellers)
- [ ] "Recyclable" claims verified for 60%+ of target communities
- [ ] "Biodegradable" claims demonstrate decomposition within 1 year
- [ ] "Carbon neutral" claims specify scope and offset methodology
- [ ] "Organic" claims backed by USDA or equivalent certification
- [ ] "Made with recycled content" specifies percentage and pre/post-consumer
- [ ] Awareness of EU Green Claims Directive requirements (if selling to EU)

## 3. Certification Display (6 items)
- [ ] Only current, valid certifications displayed
- [ ] Certification logos used per brand guidelines (size, color, placement)
- [ ] License/certificate numbers included where required
- [ ] Certifications applied only to products they cover
- [ ] Logo versions are current (not outdated designs)
- [ ] Links to certification verification pages provided

## 4. Transparency (6 items)
- [ ] Tradeoffs and limitations openly acknowledged
- [ ] "What we're still working on" section included (sustainability page)
- [ ] Claims clearly state what's covered and what's not
- [ ] No misleading green imagery without substance
- [ ] Progress data shared, not just end-state claims
- [ ] Methodology or sources available for anyone who asks

## 5. Channel Consistency (5 items)
- [ ] Product page claims match packaging claims
- [ ] Email messaging consistent with product page claims
- [ ] Social media posts align with substantiated claims only
- [ ] Sustainability page is the comprehensive source of truth
- [ ] No channel makes claims not supported by the sustainability page

## 6. Visual Compliance (5 items)
- [ ] No misleading green imagery (leaves, earth tones, nature) on non-sustainable products
- [ ] Recycling symbols used correctly (with resin codes, not as decoration)
- [ ] Certification badges only on certified products
- [ ] No custom "eco" badges that could be mistaken for third-party certs
- [ ] Packaging disposal instructions are clear and specific

## 7. Consumer Understanding (5 items)
- [ ] Claims tested with people outside the team for clarity
- [ ] Technical terms explained in plain language
- [ ] Disposal instructions are actionable (not just "please recycle")
- [ ] Sustainability page answers common customer questions
- [ ] FAQs cover "what does [certification] mean?" for each cert used

## 8. Maintenance & Governance (6 items)
- [ ] Quarterly review of all published sustainability claims scheduled
- [ ] Process exists to update claims when practices change
- [ ] Certification renewal dates tracked with reminders
- [ ] Regulatory changes monitored (FTC, EU, state laws)
- [ ] New product launch requires sustainability claim review before publishing
- [ ] Single owner responsible for sustainability messaging accuracy