Green Living - Three big questions you should be asking about what 'green' means

As consumers and marketers have jumped onto the trend, it's no longer difficult to outfit your home with products that are classified as "green."

You now have multiple choices among products that claim to be the most environmentally friendly, which can cause some confusion about which ones are the best."Many products are labeled green, but it's important to know what green really means. When selecting green building materials, consider their overall impact on the environment," says Mike McDonald, national green home builder. "Select products that are natural and renewable."

Begin by asking three questions.

1. Where does it come from and what has gone into producing it? Did it come from the earth or was it produced in a factory? 2. What is the product's true overall impact on the environment? Look for natural products that are renewable, growing back quickly and efficiently, and that use few or no chemicals or compounds that negatively affect the environment. 3. How long will the material last and how will it hold up? A key to conservation is selecting materials that will hold up for a long time, as they won't need to be harvested or manufactured as frequently.

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