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In this day and age, “going green” is increasing in popularity among American consumers, who are trying to do their part to clean up the environment and make the world a better place. With that comes the companies who promote everything as eco-friendly, but in reality they are the farthest thing from it. It is also becoming increasingly harder to determine fact from greenwashing fiction these days. According to Wikipedia, greenwashing is “a term that is used to describe the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service.” But a few very basic steps can help ensue you are getting what you want.

Natural Don’t Mean Nothin’ – Just because the package says natural, eco-friendly, or non-toxic, it doesn’t mean it has to be. Such terminology is not government regulated so anyone can add them to a product. Words like organic and phrases such as “post-consumer recycled content” accompanied by the certified symbol are what you should be seeking.

Don’t Accept a Promise As Written – It may say that if you use Product A, you will reduce pollution in your neighborhood by 50%, but do you really think it is possible? Go with your gut and common sense. Companies will tend you promise those things you want to hear most.

Research Before You Shop – If you are serious about buying all-things eco-friendly, take the time to research the various places such as books, magazines, and websites like Consumer Reports’ http://greenerchoices.org/ where you will find information about what to look for in products.

Think About Your Own Habits – You may be buying greener products but are you committing to the changes of lifestyle that go along with it? Do you recycle all materials you use at home each and every time? Do you purchase products in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging materials involved? Do you use rechargeable batteries and other products that eliminate disposal of potentially hazardous wastes making their way to the local landfill?

Being green is more about accommodating your lifestyle to meet the needs of a healthy environment and promoting your own good health and choices. Making a commitment to change will have a great impact on the environment as a whole if you take the necessary steps. There are many simple things that can be done by each and every person that would have an effect on the environment. Take the time to read up on the subject and begin practicing it in your every day life instead of waiting for someone else to do it first.



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