LibGuides: Green Living: Buy Green

Overview

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 general information about green products and conscious consumerism. For specific aspects of buying green, see the following pages:

Learn more about green products and conscious consumerism

Consumerism It’s time to build an economy and a culture centered on connection rather than consumption; on boosting the well-being of people and the planet rather than creating more "stuff" and more waste. New Dream provides the inspiration and tools you need to support this shift at home, school, work, and more.
Good Stuff? A Behind-the-Scenes Guide to the Things We Buy Have you ever wondered where chocolate comes from, if antibacterial soap is good for your family, or how to recycle an old computer? If you've had these or other questions about the environmental and social impacts of the products you buy and use, Good Stuff is for you. It contains many of the tips, facts, and links you'll need to start making more informed purchases that benefit your health and the environment. Guide to purchasing everything from appliances to chocolate.
Identify Greener Products and Services EPA guide to identifying greener products.
The Treehugger Guide to Sustainable Certifications A handy visual guide to the world of eco-friendly seals and logos.

Becoming A Conscious Consumer and Designer

Have you ever thought about what happens to your clothes when you donate them to charity? Or where your garbage goes once you're thrown it out? Explore practical applications of how to become a more savvy consumer and learn how to design a sustainable community through modern day examples right in your own backyard.