Guide to Green Products
Going green in your home or office doesn't require a drastic change in your everyday approach to basic tasks, but it will necessitate your learning how to navigate the world of eco-friendly products and how to select suitable items. From lightbulbs to toilet paper, you can find a number of ways to incorporate green products into your everyday life. Does this Spark an idea?
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Toxins
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Seek green products that generate fewer toxins in production than their processed counterparts. For instance, the bleaching process for paper products such as copier paper or paper towels creates a potential carcinogen called "dioxin." Reducing solvents used in making household paint can inhibit the production of volatile organic compounds that can adversely affect the environment. Vegetable-based inks are renewable and create fewer toxins, making them a greener solution for printing.
Recycled Materials
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Check green product packages to ensure that a percentage of the recycled materials used in production is clearly stated on the item. Many products claiming to be green will indicate that a bottle is recyclable, which can be meaningless if the product user's area does not support recycling that particular material. Also, note that packages that claim to be ''degradable'' or ''biodegradable" can still emit toxins during the degradation process.
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Energy-Conservation
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Green products should practice energy-conservation efforts in the production of a specified product or offer its user a reduced energy-consumption benefit. Examples include an energy-efficient washing machine that reduces water usage or a product production facility that replaces traditional solvents with citrus-based solvents. Compact fluorescent bulbs are considered a green product because they conserve more energy than their incandescent counterparts. Seek green products by an eco-conscious producer that can offer a conservative approach to energy usage in its product or practices.
Less Waste
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Look for green products that generate less waste, and opt for reusable options. Many products contain excessive packing that creates unnecessary garbage that will end up in a landfill. Green products strive to reduce packaging materials or provide a longer lasting solution. Examples of reducing product waste include bringing a cloth shopping bag to stores when shopping and avoiding disposable products like plastic cups when possible.
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References
Resources
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