How Green Is It? Tips for Buying Green Products

From cleaners to flooring, the number of products stating they are "green" has grown significantly over the past several years. With the growing number of products jumping aboard the eco-friendly bandwagon, it's also getting harder to determine what products to choose when buying green.

What Makes a Product Green?

There is no one definition of what makes a product green. Treehugger.com provides simple and complex definitions. Their basic definition of green products is those that are both environmentally and socially responsible. The EPA Blog posted a question asking readers to define what green products mean to them. Readers responded with over 44 different answers to the question.

As each product is different, there are different programs and agencies that oversee green labeling and certification. When buying green products you can feel more confident that your purchase is the more eco-friendly product by seeking products that have been certified.

Questions to Ask Before Buying Green Products

Understanding where the material came from and how it was made lie at the foundation of what makes a product green. Inquire about the distance an eco-friendly product traveled before arriving at the store for purchase. Find out about maintenance requirements of the green product you plan on buying. Take the true life cycle of the product into consideration before purchasing. Can the product be recycled after you are done using it? Is the green product made out of non toxic chemicals or does it contain any known allergens?

Agencies that Certify Eco-Friendly Products

To help consumers find eco-friendly products, there are a number of agencies offering green certification to products. Before visiting a retailer, consider visiting these agency Web sites to find their recommended green products.

Energy Star - The U.S. Department of Energy sets energy efficiency guidelines for homes, appliances, cooling systems, building supplies and more. (energystar.gov)

Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label - A resource for homeowners and builders looking for find more eco-friendly products, cleaners, carpets and rugs for their homes. (carpet-rug.org)

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - From furniture to flooring, the Forest Stewardship Council sets standards for responsible forest management. Green products featuring a FSC label have been built from certified woodlands. (FSC.org)

Green Seal - Green Seal labels a variety of eco friendly products. From office supplies to cleaners, consumers can find out what to look for when buying green products on the Green Seal website (greenseal.org)

Carbon Footprint - Products made with a neutral carbon footprint feature a special carbon footprint logo. The full product life cycle is taking into consideration and analyzed to determine carbon offsets required to make a product carbon neutral. (carbonfootprint.com)

Cradle to Cradle Certification - Eco friendly products that have been certified by Cradle to Cradle have been evaluated for the entire product lifecycle to be eco-friendly and made of safe materials. The Cradle to Cradle website features a full listing of green products ranging from baby care to blankets. (c2ccertified.com)

Sources:
Global Green Web Site - http://www.globalgreen.org/greenurbanism/whatmakesgreen/

TreeHugger.com - http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/10/ecotip_what_mak.php
EPA Blog - http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2009/11/16/qotw-green-products/