Are You Eco-Savvy?

When it comes to being "green," there are many shades. One company only uses bamboo wood. Another manufacturer uses water-based stains. Some recycled plastic patio furniture is made from milk jugs, but others appear to be only partially recycled?

When you're shopping for eco-friendly stuff, you've gotta be careful. Many manufacturers are jumping on the environmentalist band wagon before they know how to ride it. If you want to become an eco-savvy shopper, start by investigating these 4 areas:

• Material Origin. Think about where the materials come from. Is the desk made of a sustainable wood like bamboo or an endangered tree species? Is that compost bin made of 100% recycled plastic or just partially recycled components?
  
• Construction. Is the factory complying with emissions standards? Is the product made with a chemical-based stain or a water-based stain? Did the manufacturing process produce a lot of wood or liquid waste? Did they treat that area rug with re-usable water dyes?
  
• Livability. Some products can have a harmful effect on you without you noticing - like certain kinds of plastic water bottles. Non-toxic finishes are important for family settings where kids come in close contact with surfaces. Depending on how they are treated during manufacturing, some rugs promote better indoor air quality.
  
• Afterlife. What will happen to that wrought iron patio set after it rusts or falls apart? Populate a landfill? Some recycled plastic furniture can be recycled again once it outlives its usefulness. Check with your local recycling service about options.
  

Shopping can get complicated when you're trying to decipher eco-speak. The more you ask questions, the more you'll learn over time. And the more you demand from your suppliers, the more they'll have to live up to your expectations to protect the environment from start to finish.