How To Identify Eco-Friendly Products

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You want to help the environment, but how do you identify "green" products outside a health food store? Here's how.

To complete this How-To you will need:

To be willing to spend a bit more

Step 1: Start with packaging

Look for products with the least amount of packaging, and try to buy ones that indicate that they are packaged with "biodegradable" or "recycled" material.

Tip: Whenever possible, buy in bulk to cut down further on packaging.

Step 2: Know your chemicals

Have a basic understanding of what chemicals are bad for the environment. Major no-no's include nonylphenol ethoxylates (or NPEs, which are detrimental to aquatic life), phosphates, petroleum-based cleaners, and chlorine.

Tip: If you had trouble with the periodic table in high school, it might be easier just to look for the Green Seal.

Step 3: Choose organic

Anything labeled "organic" is going to be eco-friendly. It's probably going to cost more, too, but that's the trade-off for a cleaner environment.

Step 4: Make the efficient choice

When it comes to appliances or windows, look for the Energy Star label, which indicates that the product is energy efficient.

Step 5: Be PC with PVC

Save some trees by looking for flooring and furniture made from a recycled plastic material called cellular PVC lumber.

Step 6: Buy recycled paper goods

Look for "recycled" when you buy tissues, paper towels, gift wrap, greeting cards, and computer paper.

Tip: Better still, use handkerchiefs and washable cleaning cloths, wrap gifts in old newspapers (cartoon pages are great for kids), and send e-cards.

Step 7: Look for bamboo

Look for bamboo when buying everything from flooring to furniture to paper to clothing. It's the fastest-growing plant on the planet, with some varieties growing four feet a day.

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• HomeFamily
• environment
• green
• living
• protection
• eco
• friendly
• protect
• earth
• planet
• products
• buy
• buying
• shop

[gaveintothedarkness]

Screw this green BS, I'm all for saving the environment, but this is starting to get out of hand with all this "green" nonsense.

[scattertheashes09]

i wouldnt want to receive a present "wrapped in newspaper"

[KVLT6991]

1. burn it

2. if the smoke is a color other than gray/white, it's bad.

[ecostepsdistrib]

Check out ecosteps.ca for free shipping on all environmentally friendly products

[RbtMwn]

use things made of bamboo? what about the fucking pandas!?!?!

[RbtMwn]

@scattertheashes09 too late....i did...

[CrazyPokemonKid]

Not buying products made out of wood and paper does not help the environmemt if its already been made -_-'

[GreenVirginProducts]

Thanks for the help on identification. We're trying to be green and help the environment too.

[zimmes2000]

This is an extremely basic video about how to choose products with at least a small amount of green conscious. We have a long way to go but I want to acknowledge whoever made this video for choosing to move us forward! Thanks!

[gaveintothedarkness]

But nope, all that money (that’s billions of dollars we are talking about) is spent on marketing campaigns. And hey, some people agree with my comment, notice how currently their are 6 thumbs up?

Dont want to sound harsh or confrontational, but these are facts here my friend

[gaveintothedarkness]

@UnitedNewThinkers Well okay, first off how much money do companies spend on advertising that they are now "green" all the money that is spend on marketing green products can be better put towards developing cleaner, and renewable energy sources, or spent on programs to help alleviate environmental damage that has been caused by us.

[UnitedNewThinkers]

@gaveintothedarkness that is such a hypocritical and immature comment. what do you mean "out of hand"? and how can you say you're "all for saving the environment" when you say that? that's such BS! it's not like the environment is this far off thing that is a pain to fix... the environment is everything you eat drink breathe and buy! just because it's in a supermarket doesn't mean it's not the earth, everything comes from the earth! so instead of being selfish we have to give back, it's natural!