Research on Eco-friendly Goods Production, Green Growth, and the Environmental Labeling System

Environmental issues have transcended national boundaries and become a global challenge, transcending culture and borders. In the 20th century, environmental policies primarily focused on post-process treatment of pollution that occurs during the manufacturing process. However, recently, attention has been focused on a whole life-cycle pollution control approach that encompasses pollution prevention and consumption pollution, which aims to reduce pollution generated not only during the manufacturing process but also during the consumption process. In line with these changes, many countries are strengthening environmental trade regulations in the name of environmental protection. This is raising international interest in environmental labeling systems (ELS). Consumers are being asked to practice sustainable, green consumption in their daily lives and adopt a lifestyle that brings them closer to nature. In addition, there are growing calls for the development of green consumption education programs, the development of consumer lifestyle evaluation indicators, the development and dissemination of guidelines for green consumption practices, and the further activation of research and investigations on green consumer lifestyles. This study reviewed prior research on domestic and international environmental issues and explored the meaning of green products and green consumption, thereby highlighting the importance of international eco-labeling systems (ELS) that raise environmental awareness and encourage the production of environmentally friendly products.