Want to buy "greener" products, and make sure you are getting what you paid for? Follow these tips:

Beware of Wording - It might say that its "green," "nontoxic," and "all natural,"etc etc but these terms are vague and there are no government regulations monitoring these products and words to make sure that they are really offering what they are promising. The company could easily add in an environmentally friendly factor and still have harmful toxins in it. Instead look for "recycled" and "organic" these words are monitored by the government. In addition, make sure you know the difference: "recyclable" means that you can recycle it and "recycled" means it was made from recycled products.

Fool You Packaging - Many of companies are changing their packaging to make the item more eco-friendly. This could mean they are actually reducing the amount of plastic in the packaging, or it could mean they have a new green and beige color scheme and have added pretty pictures of flowers. Don't be fooled. Make sure you are actually reading the ingredients on any "green" products you want to purchase. Is that all purpose cleaner really made from natural elements, or it just contains some natural elements?

Too Good to be True- The packaging says that the product is now "green!" Yay! However, it has no explanation what so ever on the package . . .maybe they just didn't want to add excess packaging as part of being green. Or maybe they are not-being truthful. Check the company's website for more information if their is nothing on the package or if the claim seems to good to be true.

Look for Certifications - Here are some certification programs out there that you can trust.

Designed for the Environment –
Introduced by the US Envir­onmental Protection Agency (EPA) to indicate
that products contain environmentally preferable ingredients.

Green Seal – Aims to reduce the environmental impacts tied to the use, manufacture, and disposal of products and services. (GreenLogo for Canada)

Energy Star – An EPA certification whose goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency.

Water Sense – It certifies water-efficient products such as faucets and toilets.

Forest Stewardship Council –
Products that bear the FSC logo are guaranteed to contain wood or wood
products harvested from a certified, well-managed forest.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) – Promotes sustainable site development, water savings, energy
efficiency, sustainable materials selection, and indoor environmental
quality.

Watch What and How you Buy - Green products can be better, but they can also be more expensive. If you cannot buy the green alternative, try to be greener in your purchasing. Choose the product with less and recyclable packaging. Then be sure to recycle the packaging, you may want to make sure that is is recyclable in your areas first, not all plants take all plastics etc. In addition, buy in bulk if it is something you use often and buy reusable items instead of paper products.

Research! - It can be hard or easy being green depending on what you can afford, what you are buying, how knowledgeable you are, and what is being offered. If you are buying something that is big and expensive, research all your options before heading out to the car dealer or electronic store. If you are going to the grocery store, see if thee is a local farmers market in your town or a neighboring one. Sometimes the greener decision is worthwhile and easy, sometimes its just not the best option or you don't have time to think it over.

For big and small decisions alike try these websites:

GreenerChoices.org

Greenercars.org

Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)

Environmental Working Group

Responsible Purchasing Network (Information on items such as cleaners, food and cosmetics)

Happy Shopping!

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