Many companies recognize the quickly increasing interest in environmentally-friendly products. As such, it should come as little surprise that many of these companies market their product line as being sustainable, energy-efficient, or otherwise friendly to this lovely planet of ours. However, from the consumer’s point of view, how can you be so sure that a so-called “green product” is actually green?

A simple green product checklist has been developed by the American Society of Interior Designers and the United States Green Building Council. This checklist goes through several relatively simple questions that a consumer should ask when considering a green product. By answering these questions, the consumer is empowered with greater knowledge as to whether a product marketed as “green” is actually green.

It Starts with Commitment

Green products are developed by companies that are dedicated to sustainability and ecological concerns. As such, when thinking about any product in particular, a consumer should also look at the manufacturer and the brand behind the product.

Is there a written, working environmental policy in place? Is it easy to find on their Web site or product literature? Does this policy strive to make important improvements in manufacturing, reducing and reusing first, then recycling? Do they comply with their industry’s voluntary testing programs?

This policy doesn’t have to be part of the company’s mission statement, but it should play an integral role in the company culture and the manner in which it conducts business. Caring for the environment comes before concerns for greater profitability.

Building Blocks of Green Products

Just as a green home is comprised of many green initiatives, a green product must also be broken down into its individual components for a full analysis. Just because a product happens to be energy-efficient does not mean that it is fully green. After all, if the materials and process involved in its creation is more harmful to the environment than the positive effects gained from its use, then the so-called green product is self-defeating.

What are the raw materials used to create the product? Where do they come from? Did these materials come from renewable resources? Is the manufacturing process energy efficient? Does the manufacturing process release harmful substances? Are adhesives needed to make the product viable?

Breaking down a product to its individual components can reveal a lot about its sustainability and its level of being friendly to the environment.

Other Green Product Considerations

Remember that you should take a comprehensive, systems-based approach to buying green products, just as you would look at everything involved in retrofitting a green home. Some other questions that you should ask when considering a number of different “green” products include the following.

How much energy does it use? Does the product release VOCs? How is the product packaged and transported? How is the product installed and maintained? Is the product durable? Biodegradable? Recyclable? Can the parts be separated for recycling? Can the product be returned to its manufacturer at the end of its useful life? Does the manufacturer provide life cycle cost analysis on this product?

Remember that just because a company markets a particular product as being sustainable and environmentally-friendly does not mean that it is the best option. Consider some of the questions described in this article and you’ll be well on your way to making greener buying decisions.