Eco-Labels

Context:

Eco-labels can help consumers make informed choices about eco-friendly products, combat greenwashing, and support sustainable development.

What are Eco-Labels?

• Definition: Eco-labels are certification labels that indicate a product has met specific environmental criteria, helping consumers identify environmentally friendly products.

Relevance of Eco-Labels to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production:
  • Target 12.6: Eco-labeling supports the adoption of sustainable practices by certifying environmentally friendly products.
  • Target 12.8: Eco-labels increase awareness and information about sustainable lifestyles by providing transparency on product sustainability.

Roles of Eco-Labeling

1. Consumer Empowerment:
   • Eco-labels inform consumers about the environmental impact of products, helping them make informed choices.
   • Campaigns promoting hallmarks in jewelry can serve as a model for eco-labeling initiatives.
2. Promoting Sustainability:
   • Encourages companies to adopt sustainable practices to obtain eco-label certifications.
3. Combatting Greenwashing:
   • Certifies genuine eco-friendly products, reducing deceptive environmental claims.
4. Market Differentiation:
   • Allows eco-friendly products to stand out in the marketplace, attracting environmentally conscious consumers.
5. Policy Support:
   • Aligns with sustainable development goals by promoting responsible consumption and production practices.

5. New Metal Oxide Nanocomposite

Context:

A new metal oxide nanocomposite has been developed to aid in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, such as dyes and pharmaceuticals.

Development of the Metal Oxide Nanocomposite

• Institution: Developed by the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• Composition: Consists of Ni-doped TiO2 on Fuller’s earth (NiTF).
• Function: Tested as a photocatalyst for the decolorization of methylene blue.
• Effectiveness: Fuller’s earth improved the adsorption of TiO2 in the dark, suggesting a cost-effective solution for environmental photocatalysts.

Metal Oxide Photocatalysis

• Mechanism: Involves using metal oxide materials as catalysts that are activated by light to promote chemical reactions.
• Process: These photocatalysts absorb light energy and produce pairs of electrons and holes. These pairs participate in redox reactions that degrade pollutants into harmless by-products.
• Common Catalysts: Titanium dioxide (TiO2), Zinc oxide (ZnO), and Tungsten trioxide (WO3) are frequently used due to their stability and absorption properties.
• Factors Influencing Efficiency:
  • Choice of metal oxide
  • Crystal structure
  • Light parameters
  • Pollutant concentration
  • pH
  • Catalyst loading

Applications of Metal Oxide Photocatalysis

• Pollutant Removal: Effective in removing organic pollutants from water bodies.
• Energy Storage: Utilized in solar cells.
• Sensors: Employed in ultra trace-level gas sensors.
• Biomedical: Acts as an alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents.
• Coatings and Optoelectronics: Used in various high-tech applications.
• Renewable Energy: Aids in water splitting for renewable energy production.

Photocatalytic Degradation

• Definition: An advanced oxidation process that can degrade pollutants with high concentrations, complexity, and low biodegradability.
• Process: Utilizes light to activate a catalyst, leading to the degradation of organic pollutants.