How to Tell if You’re Buying Green

We talk about being green and eco friendly, but what determines whether a product is green? We need to know, so that we as consumers can make intelligent choices and demand better environmental practices from manufacturers.

A product should be made of material that is easily renewable. Bamboo is a great example of a renewable material.

It should be responsibly grown, harvested and processed. This means that good manufacturing practices are used, there is no off-gassing and the material grown and harvested in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

The product should be reusable and biodegradable, because our salvation lies in recycling and if we absolutely must throw something away, we should be able to do so without poisoning the soil. It should also be durable, so that it lasts a long time. Cheap, throwaway things don’t really benefit anyone as we really don't want to add more to landfills. And it must be said that if you are buying used stuff, you’re doing everyone a great favor.

To find out more, visit the Sustainable Furnishings Council's website.