The Green Seal on packaging or promotional material signifies that a product is "environmentally preferable," meaning it is better for the environment than the majority of products in its class, and that it works as well as or better than similar conventional products.

Green Seal's standard-setting process is open and transparent to guarantee its objectivity and fairness. To begin, Green Seal relies on scientific testing by partners like the Center for Clean Products and Clean Technologies at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Each new standard is subject for review by manufacturers, universities, environmental groups, trade associations and members of the government and the public. After a standard is established, it continues to be regularly updated and remains open to formal appeals.

Through the "Greening Your Government Program," Green Seal helps local, state and federal governments that wish to adopt eco-friendly policies and activities. Green Seal provides governments with specific product recommendations, implementation guidelines and cost estimates.