There was a time when it was very difficult to find green products in mainstream retail outlets. Now, consumers have more choices, which sometimes makes it more confusing.

What Are Green Products?

Green products have these characteristics:

• They aren't dangerous to the health of people or animals.
• They don't damage the environment during manufacture, use, or disposal.
• They don't consume a disproportionate amount of energy or other resources during manufacture, use, or disposal.
• They don't cause unnecessary waste due to excessive packaging or a short useful life.
• They don't involve the unnecessary use of or cruelty to animals.
• They don't use materials derived from threatened species or environments.

The resources below provide some general information about green products. For specific aspects of buying green, see the following pages:

• Greenwashing
• Product Guides/Certifications
• Electronics Use and Disposal
• Green Cleaning

Every piece of plastic ever made still exists today, and much of this plastic has traveled from our hands to our oceans. Your decision to buy less plastic matters.