There are lot’s of claims that a product is green or eco-friendly, but how do you decide if a product is really green? Green is many things, as mention in a previous article – What Does Green Mean? It’s a challenge with all the green washing and different views. Why complicate it?

Stick to a few simple guidelines, the ones you choose. It’s a problem to decipher all the literature and hype. A change in your consumption habits can drastically reduce impact on the planet. If you want a consumer guide to find safe, healthy, green products, use the Good Guide to get results. Better yet, avoid commercial products (there are exceptions like computers or fridges). A much gentler and sustainable way forward.

Here’s my 12 Step Program to choosing green products:

1. BUY USED – If you can find it used – buy it that way,
2. LOCAL -Buy it local, when purchasing online look for local options (you can target by area for eBay). Transport and freshness.
3. QUALITY OR HANDMADE – Is this a quality item that will last for a long time? Cheap, mass produced items usually last for a lot less time.
4. CAN I MAKE IT MYSELF
5. INGREDIENTS – Is it plastic or made from toxic material? Don’t buy chemicals, things with danger on the label – look for natural alternatives
6. PACKAGING – How much packaging is there and what is it made of?
7. SEAL OF APPROVAL – Products that have Green Seal, Fair Trade or Certified Organic (USDA) are safely green and ethical It could have energy star on it, but what about the process and company it was made by, how well does the item recycle
8. COMPANY TRACK RECORD – Is the company that made it ethical, green and socially conscious (careful on this one) plus revert to step one and choose the little guy!
9. COST TO MAINTAIN
10. MULTIPLE USE – Do I have another product or item that I could use in place of this?
11. COULD I SHARE IT – Think about how you buy it, not just what you buy.
12. DISPOSAL Is the item really green – what will it take to recycle it and how much will it cost to maintain it in terms of time, travel, shipping, parts, labour etc.? Can this item be recycled? This is the full circle, if you get it

Do some research – places like greenerchoices.org can give you a starting point and you can find products in the Good Guide listed above.Before you purchase something you may want to ask yourself the question – do I really need this and if so why? Then ask – how will this really change my life? This will be a starting point for a conscious choice in your habits. You could also borrow, rent or share the cost of a new product.

IF this hasn’t confused you, the next article will introduce you the the concept of green washing and why you should be careful about what you buy. Many people think that the choices they make are green because the media has convinced them they are green products. It’s not just the product but rather the whole picture.

if you liked this post, take a gander at these ones!

• are frugal and green living the same thing
• impact of disposable paper products on the environment
• the challenge of buying green – habits that count
• steps to reduce electronic waste
• going loco or going local: 15 reasons that count