Can You Trust "Green" Claims?

I've always wondered what rules manufacturers of products use when labeling. When it comes to "green" labeling, it seems that there are no guidelines or limits to unsubstantiated claims and unknown seals or certifications. The green terms are very confusing and, even more importantly, misleading. I understand the Federal Trade Commission is looking into setting up "Green Guides" to substantiate green claims and to recognize legitimate seals and certifications. Companies will need to tell customers if the seals and certifications they use are made by their own companies as opposed to being certified by a third party or a trade organization to which they belong. Hopefully this will make it easier for the consumer to know what a label really means and be comfortable knowing that any claim meets FTC standards.

I have also been concerned about misinformation in the home market. Claims of green or energy efficient are pretty broad. While there are many shades of "green" and "energy efficient", these terms are very different from each other. Including green materials in construction will be good for the environment and conserve natural resources. Energy efficient construction methods and certified energy ratings will mean dollars saved for the life of the home. I don't count a 90+ furnace in a home that has standard insulation as being an energy efficient home--or Energy Star windows in a traditionally constructed home--these are one step up and a nice improvement but there is a lot more needed. I believe that a certification or accepted energy rating is the only way that a home should be listed as green or energy efficient. It's the only way to know if a home has the benefits that we are looking for. In the Rockford Illinois area some home builders are offering green conservation homes, some are offering energy saving construction techniques and materials. These homes are affordable, energy efficient, green, and healthy and now we are moving ahead with at least one new home builder offering an energy efficient home with a HERS rating of 50% -- a Department of Energy Home Energy Rating which means energy savings of 50% over a traditionally built new home. I am encouraged that alternatives are becoming more available.