What To Look For

CFC-free

ENERGY STAR certified

Less polluting alternatives to diesel, e.g., compressed natural gas, bio-based fuels, hybrids, electric batteries and fuel cells

ENERGY STAR certified

Conformance to EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive

Equipment that can use main electricity

NiMH or Lithium rechargeable batteries

Avoid batteries containing Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd) or Lead (Pb)

Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) environmental certification, gold level preferred

Most water efficient appliances available

Emits low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

GREENGUARD and Scientific Certification Systems (SCS)

100% recyclable

Biodegradable, phosphate -free, and citrus-based

Green Seal certification

Avoid products containing carcinogens, mutagens, or teratogens or that are listed by the U.S. EPA or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health on the Toxics Release Inventory

Screw base bulbs: ENERGY STAR certified CFL(Compact Fluorescent)

Pin type bulbs: TCLP Compliant

Re-refined lubrication, hydraulic oils,  and antifreeze

Low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Recycled content

Avoid products that are bleached or processed with chlorine or chlorine derivatives

Meet the requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Testing Program - Vacuum Cleaner Criteria

Locally grown, Fair Trade certified, Domestic Fair Trade certified, shade-grown or bird-friendly coffee, Rainforest Alliance certified, Food Alliance certified, USDA Organic, AGA grassfed, pasture raised, grass-finished/100% grassfed, Certified Humane Raised and Handled, cage-free, Protected Harvest Certified, Marine Stewardship Council, and Seafood Watch Guide “Best Choices” or “Good Alternatives”

Disposables that are either biodegradable or recyclable and made from biobased, nonbleached, or recycled content materials.

Low power consumption per capacity (e.g. , less than 0.03 KW/Day/cu. ft)

High volume of 2" boxes held per capacity (e.g.,  at least 20 boxes/cu. ft)

Temperature management systems

Nontoxic, water-soluble adhesive and paper or cellulose based tapes

Avoid spray adhesives

Recycled content

Compatible with recycled and remanufactured products

Uses a low melting point toner

Multifunctional capability to save space and resources

Stand-by or power down functionality

ENERGY STAR  certified

Ability to print double-sided

Water-based, corrective pens

Recycled content

BIFMA Level certification, Cradle-to-Cradle certified, Indoor Advantage certification, PVC Free, EcoLogo certified, GREENGUARD certified, SCS certified

Low or no VOC-emitting

High percentage postconsumer recycled materials

FSC and PEFC certified wood products

Natural latex foam, avoid plastic foams that contain CFCs , HCFCs, or polyurethane

Domestic soft wood (e.g., pine) instead of tropical hardwoods (e.g., mahogany)

Solvent and formaldehyde free finishes and glue

At least thirty percent recycled content

Avoid products that are bleached or processed with chlorine or chlorine derivatives

Recycled content, refillable

Soybean-based inks

Recycled content

Rewritable CDs and DVDs, flash drives

Remanufactured or refillable cartridges