Is This Product Really A Smart Green Choice?

In the last post, Green Product Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Buy I said I’d gather some resources that can help you answer some of the questions offered. Here you go…

Now keep in mind that some of the questions only you can answer, but in some cases, you find info about a company or product that can help you to make a green purchasing decision.

Does the product have a long shelf life?: To learn more about product reliability and life expectancy, try looking at the following…

• Consumer Reports
• Consumer Search
• Find consumer input For example, Amazon.com, LUSH, Epinions, and other companies and websites offer places where consumers can post opinions, suggestions, and reviews.

Is the company who made it / sells it a good green and ethical company?:

• Household Product Database
• National Green Pages – to find a greener alternative for almost anything.
• 100% Fair Trade companies
• 2008 World’s Most Ethical Companies

Can I recycle the item and or packaging?:

• Earth 911
• Where Can I Recycle My…
• How Can I Recycle This?

Could I get it from a local company: Check your local yellow pages or do an online search but use your area as a search perimeter.

How toxic is this product?:

• For beauty product safety visit Skin Deep.
• Toxic Product List
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Washington Toxics Coalition

Is it tested on animals?: Visit Caring Consumer to see companies that do and do not test on animals.

If you do a little research before you buy a product, you can make sure that you’re getting the least toxic, and most eco-friendly product for your dollar.