Key Characteristics of A Green Product:

• Biodegradable
  A “biodegradable” product has the ability to break down safely and relatively quickly, by biological means, into the raw materials of nature and disappears into the environment.
  
• Certified Organic Cotton
  Grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers, human waste, or sewage sludge, and that they were processed without ionizing radiation or food additives.
  Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment and without the use of harsh chemicals, toxins, dyes or synthetic fertilizers.
  
• Certified Organic (Food)
  To be labeled organic, all fresh or processed foods sold in the U.S. including imports, must be produced according to the national organic standards and certified by an inspection agency accredited by the USDA.
  
  Before food crops can be certified, all organic farmers must use only approved materials that will not harm humans, animals, or soil life. They must develop an organic farm management plan, keep detailed records, and be inspected annually by an accredited certification agency. All companies that manufacture organic food products must follow similar strict requirements.

• Certified
  Certification programs are designed to help conserve, protect and restore the world's forests by encouraging companies to adopt ecologically sound forestry practices and by helping consumers identify and select timber products that come from well-managed forests.
  
  There are several certification systems, each with its own standards, assessment procedures, and method of certification. Example:  Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization promoting standards addressing environmental, social and economic issues.
  
• Compostable
  Compostable materials are capable of undergoing natural, biological decomposition. 
  Examples of organic material that can be composted include food scraps, leaves and yard wastes, agricultural crop residues, paper products, sewage sludge and wood.
• Cradle to Cradle
  A principle put forth by architect William McDonough whereby materials in a building are immediately reused or recycled when they no longer fulfill their original function. Material thus never ends up as garbage but, as in nature, is endlessly reused.
• Fair Trade
  Ensures workers receive fair wages and fair labor conditions related to the production of a wide variety of goods.

• Fixtures & Equipment that Conserve Water
  At least 20% water savings can be found by using low-flush toilets, waterless urinals and low flow showerheads.
• Locally Available Products
  Using local (within 500 miles) building materials, components, and systems reduces the negative environmental impacts of transportation.

• Postconsumer
  Post consumer material is an end product that has completed its life cycle as a consumer item
  and would otherwise be disposed of as solid waste.  Includes recyclables collected in recycling programs, such as office paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastics and metals.
• Products that Avoid Toxic Emmissions
  Conventional products often emit harsh chemicals such as pesticides, formaldehyde, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)—an ozone-depleting chemical compound commonly used
  in commercial refrigeration units, air-conditioners and cleaning products—and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—a plastic that creates dioxin (the most potent known carcinogen), ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride—all of which can cause severe health problems.
  
  Using materials that emit few or no carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, irritants or VOCs is best
  for the health of building occupants and the environment in general.
• Products that Conserves Energy
  Energy saving products are readily available and are often certified by organizations like Energy Star®. Energy efficient products include compact fluorescent lighting (CFL), efficient appliances
  and heaters but they also include task lighting, occupancy sensors and products that improve daylighting.

• Products that Remove Indoor Air Pollutants
  Certain ventilation products, filters, air purifiers, radon mitigation equipment, and other devices help to remove pollutants or introduce fresh air. Because ventilation equipment is now fairly standard, only products that are particularly efficient or quiet, or that have other environmental benefits are considered green

• Products without VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
  Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.
  VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.  VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.
  
  Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

• Recycled
  Recycled products reduce waste.  Any object that would otherwise become waste that is remanufactured into a new product and generates environmental and social benefits.  Recycled redirects millions of tons of waste away from landfills.   Examples: Glass, metal, plastics, and paper

• Reclaimed / Reused
  Materials that are recovered from the waste stream and put back into use with minimal or no
  re-processing.  Reclaimed or “re-used” materials are more sustainable because they use less energy and resources.

• Renewable Energy Equipment & Technology
  Equipment and products such as solar water heaters, photovoltaic systems, and wind turbines
   which enable us to use renewable energy instead of fossil fuels and conventional electricity.

• Sustainably Harvested Materials (hemp, bamboo, kapok)
  Using resources or producing materials in a way and at a rate that does not result in the long-term decline of biological diversity, loss of habitat, water pollution or displacement of indigenous peoples. Preferably materials should receive certification from an independent third party.