From the Hartford Courant

Buying green products?

Here's what to look for to make sure green is really green
By JANICE PODSADA, Hartford Courant Staff Writer
December 16, 2007
Food: Look for food that is certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Also look for Fair Trade products. Although Fair Trade certification doesn't guarantee that a product is organically grown, the nonprofit group has strong environmental standards built into its certification process. For more information, go to www.transfairusa.org.

Clothing: Look for natural fibers, such as organic cotton, wool or hemp that carry the U.S. Department of Agriculture's organically grown seal, or for products bearing the certified Fair Trade logo. Cotton that is grown conventionally accounts for more than 25 percent of the world's insecticide use and 10 percent of the pesticides. One pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are needed to grow 3 pounds of conventional cotton, enough for a T-shirt and a pair of jeans, according to www.LotusOrganics.com, an online company that sells organic and natural clothing.

However, environmentalists disagree over the sustainability of some fabrics, such as clothing made from bamboo. While growing bamboo is generally considered to be eco-friendly, the use of chemical solvents to process the bamboo into fibers has come under fire.

Jewelry: According to a 2004 report by the Worldwatch Institute, an independent research group, the production of the average gold ring produces about 3 tons of mine waste. Consumers should buy recycled jewelry to stop the mining of precious metals and gems, said Matthew White, president of www.greenkarat.com. The online company sells jewelry crafted from recycled metals and gems. Ask retailers if they carry jewelry made from recycled items. Some companies, such as GreenKarat, will create "new" jewelry from old and broken jewelry.

Eco-Travel: One-third of all greenhouse gases in the world are attributable to the tourism industry, with the airline industry being the main culprit, said Tom Martens, director of outreach and development, with Sustainable Travel International, a nonprofit group that promotes eco-friendly travel ( www.sustainabletravelinternational.org)

"The best thing to do is not fly and not drive. That said, this is the tourism industry and people want to go places," Martens said. The group advises consumers to look closely at claims: "For example, somebody might say they run an eco-lodge in Costa Rica. That might mean they own a couple acres behind the eco-lodge where animals roam. If they're not recycling or using local products and labor, they're not truly eco-friendly. The best thing to do is pick up the phone and ask them what they're doing."

Go to www.rainforestalliance.org for more information about eco-friendly travel and tourism certification programs.

Gift Guides: www.treehugger.com; www.allgreen.com

— JANICE PODSDA





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