MADE Ecosystem Approach

Bioaccumulation describes the buildup of a substance in living organisms over time. Repeated exposure through food, water, air, consumer products, or the environment can increase concentrations in people, animals, and ecosystems. Some substances also move through food webs and become more concentrated in larger predators.

The MADE Ecosystem Approach reviews scientific data on movement among water, soil, sediment, and living tissue, along with the potential for increasing concentration through food webs. This review identifies substances whose persistence and accumulation can amplify concern over time.

Human toxicity describes the potential for a substance to cause harmful effects in people. The MADE Ecosystem Approach reviews acute toxicity, repeated-dose toxicity, carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine activity, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity, respiratory effects, and other relevant endpoints.

The review draws on authoritative classifications, occupational safety information, public toxicological data, and peer-reviewed literature. Product type, route of exposure, and the needs of potentially vulnerable populations, including infants, children, and pregnant individuals, also inform the evaluation.

Terrestrial toxicity describes harmful effects on land-based organisms and ecosystems. The MADE Ecosystem Approach reviews available data across species used in toxicological studies to identify potential concerns for wildlife and other terrestrial life. Additional scientific tools help estimate effects across a wider range of species when direct data are limited.

This review supports the health of soil, pollinators, plants, wildlife, and microbial communities. Relevant concerns include direct harm, effects on reproduction or development, damage to soil health, and broader impacts on biodiversity.

Aquatic toxicity describes harmful effects on aquatic organisms and water-based ecosystems. The MADE Ecosystem Approach reviews short-term and long-term effects on fish, aquatic invertebrates, and other organisms that live in or depend on water. Additional scientific tools help estimate effects across a wider range of aquatic species when direct data are limited.

Ingredients and materials can enter waterways through manufacturing, product use, washing, disposal, runoff, and other environmental releases. Toxicity, persistence in water, and accumulation in sediment can increase concern across aquatic ecosystems.

Environmental persistence describes how long a substance remains in air, water, soil, or sediment before breaking down. The MADE Ecosystem Approach reviews degradation through natural processes, including sunlight, water, and air, along with similarities to other persistent chemicals and the potential formation of additional substances of concern.

Persistent substances can remain in the environment long after release, contributing to ongoing exposure, contamination, and environmental burden across locations and generations.

Animal welfare considers the effects of sourcing and testing practices on animals. The MADE Ecosystem Approach evaluates animal-derived ingredients and materials, supplier compliance with applicable welfare laws, and humane handling practices. Vegan products require confirmation that animal-derived inputs are absent.

The review also supports the reduction of animal testing through supplier due diligence, existing safety data, established safety profiles, and scientifically appropriate non-animal methods. These criteria extend product evaluation across human health, environmental health, sourcing, and animal welfare.