Eco-friendly products are products that do not harm the environment during production, use, or disposal. Some eco-friendly products conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and toxicity. Other green products are biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable so they do not pollute the environment when disposed. Using eco-friendly products is important to protect the environment and resources as consumption increases rapidly. Various certification programs like Energy Star and Green Seal help consumers identify genuinely eco-friendly products that can save 20-30% in energy usage.

1. Nirmal P R
Eco-Friendly Products

2. Eco-friendly products are products that do not harm the environment,
whether in their production, use or disposal.
Some of these going green products when in use, help conserve energy,
minimize carbon footprint or the emission of greenhouse gases, and does not
lead to substantial toxicity or pollution to the environment.
Other green products are biodegradable, recyclable or compostable. Hence,
they do not harm the environment or upset the ecological balance when they
are disposed of.
There are also eco-friendly products that are made out of recycled materials.
These recycle products help reduce the need for new raw materials and the
amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators (because waste can be
diverted to making recycled products).
Introduction

3. Why use them
The use of eco-friendly or going green products is an important step in
protecting the environment.
Look at the world’s consumption rate today. Things are being produced, used
and then discarded at a super rapid pace. If we make no attempts to switch to
green alternatives now, in no time to come, we will be surrounded by the
pollution and toxins caused by producing, using and disposing these non-green
items. The recycling industry would also not be sustainable because there is
little demand for recycle products.
And we will also face a serious shortage of resources and energy, because much
of these resources and energy would have been wasted in driving non-energy-
efficient equipment and producing new materials and things.
Hence, it is important to bear in mind that the use of eco-friendly products
allows each and every one of us to decrease the negative effect we create when
inhibiting this
planet.

4. Identifying eco-friendly products and services
In order to help consumers identify genuine eco-friendly
products, various programs have been set up (in the form of joint
ventures with the United States Environment Protection Agency and
the United States Department of Energy) to certify green products
manufacturers.
Some of these programs use eco labels such as the “Energy Star”
and the “Green Seal” that you see below to certify and endorse the
eco-friendly products.

5. Take the example of the “Energy Star”. The “Energy Star” is an
international standard for energy efficient consumer products.
Energy Star specifications differ with different items. But in general, devices
carrying the “Energy Star” logo save 20% to 30% in energy on the average. This
logo is used for eco-friendly electronic appliances, including kitchen appliances,
heating and cooling appliances, computers products and peripherals.
Environment Protection Agency or EPA has also extended the use of this label to
cover infrastructural facilities, including homes and commercial establishments
that meet eco-friendly criteria.
However, note that not all supposed eco labels used on products are officially
verified. Check out the significance behind the various eco labels.
Cont…

6. Eco- Friendly Products

7. Certifications

8. Thank You