What color green are you?

Today the term "green" is like a box of crayola crayons.  There's a shade for everyone!

As a consumer, it can be confusing to understand what is green and what makes it so.  I think the point that everyone seems to be missing is that if you are interested in being green it's best to start by finding that right shade for you.  The umbrella term green is just too broad to be realistic.  So, I offer a two tips so you can do your own filtering and figure out your own shade of green.

1.  Verify.  There are great green innovations that come to market every day.  There are also some folks trying to position products with a green spin.  It's always a good idea to see how an independent 3rd party rates a product's green features.  Some useful resources:  Greenguard Environmental Institute, Green Seal, Energy Star qualified products, USDA Organic Label, Forest Stewardship Council.  If you have additional favorites, please post!

2.  Prioritize.  Green is a catch-all for so many different considerations!  The general word green is useful as a flag between two people.  It quickly confirms that you are talking about the same topic.  But to be effective, then you have to drill-down to a subcategory.  As an example, last Sunday I hosted an Open House at the first LEED-candidate home for sale in Elmhurst.  The builder defines green through energy/resource efficiency.  Many visitors came to see the products that made the air inside the house healthier.  And one couple even came because they believe homes can promote green by being biologically helpful (fewer electromagnetic fields, etc.). 

Following are some of the most common ways I've seen folks define green for their homes and useful guidelines from 3rd parties for setting priorities in each category.  I found during my own green rehab that the more green goals I was trying to go after the more complicated and expensive things became.  So use this list to start thinking about and planning your home around your own top green priorities: 

Indoor Air Quality - EPA Indoor AirPLUS(new construction), Indoor Air Quality when Remodeling

Energy Efficiency - Energy Star (new construction), Energy Star:  Home Improvement

Water Conservation - EPA WaterSense, Natural Landscaping

Carbon Footprint - The Nature Conservancy Carbon Footprint Calculator

Sustainable Design (not one clear resource on this today so here are a few starters...)

• Not-so-bigness - The book series from Susan Susanka.  She has a great quote in her latest book - a reminder that good design, beautiful design is sustainable design.  The more you enjoy something, the more you use it!  Recommended reading list.
• US Green Building Council LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance 
• NAHB Green Scoring Tool