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Is it really green: How to tell hype from the real thing

“Green” is the philosophy that everything we do should have minimal negative impact on the environment. We strive to have no negative impact at all. But the term is so over-used that its meaning has become diluted. There are many products on the market that claim to be green even though their benefit is minimal to non-existent. How can you evaluate a green product or initiative beyond the marketing hype?

How “green” is it?
  • Be more critical of energy claims.
  • Use a larger frame of reference (consider the entire environment, not just the local environment).
  • Consider all of the ways a product or initiative impacts on the environment and the entire life cycle including:

    • manufacturing
    • energy use and natural resources needed
    • pollution/toxicity
    • disposal
Tips for how to help the environment around your home:
  • Replace old appliances with Energy Star appliances. Specs depend on the product but they use 20 to 30 per cent less energy on average.
  • Upgrade or replace heating, cooling and hot water systems. For example, consider using a high efficiency furnace that can result in a 40 per cent increase in heat compared to conventional furnaces.
  • If you’re in the market for a new home, look for homes that are constructed for energy efficiency, specifically in the areas of:

    • Air sealing and insulation
    • Windows (many advances have been made in windows; they now rated for thermal performance)
    • House exposure (sun and wind)
  • Look for green building products used throughout the home:

    • Engineered lumber such as truss floor joists that use less wood
    • Products made from recycled materials such as decks made of recovered wood fibre and recycled polyethylene
    • New pressure-treated wood = less toxic
    • Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints.
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