What Does 'Green' Really Mean?

If trying to figure out what "green" means is causing you to see red, you're hardly alone.

For two decades, words like "natural," "organic" and "recycled" have been used to attract the interest of eco-conscious consumers. "Green" is the new tag to promote everything from paper to building materials that are good for — or from — the environment.

But for consumers, it can be almost impossible to tell exactly what "green" means.

"There's no 'green' stamp of approval that we all agree on at this time," says Nicole Goldman, owner of 'g' Green Design Center in Mashpee Commons. Her store sells green products of all kinds for the home, from building and furnishing materials to biodegradable trash-can liners and light bulbs, towels, cleansers and fabric. But, in general, for a product to be considered green, she says, it has to be ecologically sound, healthy, energy-efficient, renewable, reusable, have recyclable content or be highly durable.

Part of energy-efficiency, too, involves not only the amount of fossil fuels it might take to use a product but also to produce or transport it.

Consumers are starting to get interested, and the bigger picture encompasses climate change, overburdened landfills, increasing energy costs, water scarcity, and diminishing air quality.

Connect all those dots, and you can see a huge potential, not just in the U.S. but globally.

You hear a lot of talk about saving the environment in the news, on talk shows and just about everywhere you turn these days. Terms like "green friendly", "green energy" and "green technology" are often used among others. What do these "green" terms really mean?

The sole purpose of "going green" is to use products and methods that won't negatively impact the environment with pollution or deplete natural resources. While there is still some skepticism about the dangers of global warming no one can't doubt the fact that pollution and diminished resources can (and has) affect on the delicate balance of the planet our very lives depend on.

While the debate over the future consequences continues more people are siding in favor of preservation over risk. Choosing alternative methods or other options that eliminate or reduce the need for natural resources can only result in a positive outcome, regardless of belief, so it's the responsible choice.

Some simple "green friendly" changes are easy to do and can be done with little or no sacrifice. Certain changes can actually enhance the quality of life and not diminish it as some fear.

One good example of taking advantage of the green living lifestyle is paperless billing. When a bill has to be mailed trees are destroyed to create the paper. In addition fuel and natural resources are used to manufacture the paper. Electronic billing online completely eliminates the need to destroy any trees and use natural resources for production. Online billing is easy, convenient and sensible option.

Other examples is the use of eco-friendly supplies such as bamboo flooring or supplies made of recycled goods. More cost effective measures are using thermostat and light timers and energy efficient CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs.

Green and clean products for household use such as lemon juice, baking soda and vinegar are excellent natural cleaning substitutes for harsh chemicals. Many times simple and environmentally eco friendly supplies are less expensive too so there is a two-fold advantage.

If we all do a little something toward the goal of achieving a "green" and healthy environment it will go a long way to stop the detrimental effects of the past and produce a better future for all of us.

Years ago no one seemed overly concerned about the environment. I've always been a little frugal so I always thought it made sense not to waste but I didn't impose my beliefs on anyone. In recent years since these issues have come to the forefront I'm glad to see more people who want to do their part to help. I've dedicated three web sites to the green living causes, eco friendly supplies and green and clean ideas for the home.

I am an avid reader and researcher. I like to learn about new things. I don't claim to know it all but I know about a lot of topics and I'm learning more all the time.

Don't shoot the messenger.