by Craig Medlin

Created on: July 17, 2008   Last Updated: July 19, 2008

As you walk through the grocery store, shopping for what you need, you notice the tremendous influx in 'green' themed items. Products that claim to help out the planet. And you want to do your part. But with the high costs that are attatched to these green products, choosing what to get can be a chore. Whether they are in the form of recycled paper or energy efficient lightbulbs, these 'going green' items raise one important question, "Is 'going green' really helping us, or is it just a new marketing ploy?"

There are many products on the market that sport blissfull 'going green' labels. Many of them are wonderful and have little or no adverse effects on the environment. However, there are those that seem to be labeled as green simply to increase sales. So, how does one avoid this marketing ploy but help out the environment at the same time?

Here are a couple questions to ask yourself in determing whether or not you should buy that 'going green' item.

1 - Do you really need it?
The first thing to consider is whether or not you were even going to get it in the first place. Companies place 'green' labels on items they have improved to increase sales and make consumers (you) believe that they care about the planet. So-called 'green' items aren't necessarily good for the enironment, they are usually just better than similar, non-green, products. Don't buy it just because it's green, buy it because you need it.

2 - Is it really green?
Sure, the item you are purchasing claims to be 'green', but is it really? What are the facts? If an item is really green there should be statistics on it. Such as, 'uses 76% less energy then a standard incondescent light bulb,' or 'product made with 30% post-consumer fiber.' Most 'green' products tend to cost a bit more then their non-green counterparts so be sure to research a product you aren't familiar with. You may find that the product isn't too much more environmentally friendly than the regular one. The extra time will help you choose the best buy and in the end it could save you some of your own green.

Going green can be expensive. But with the right considerations, you can avoid Corperate America's marketing strategies and help out the environment. It feels good to be green. Helping the environment will make this planet better for your children and your children's children. But if we don't act now it won't happen. Going Green isn't simply a marketing ploy, although some companies seem to stretch it farther then it should go.

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