Confused about what's eco-friendly and what's not? Use this checklist to help you evaluate the greenest purchases. A minimum of two check marks earns a thumbs up.

Green Factor
- Is the product made of materials that can be sustainably grown and harvested?

- Is the product free of toxic or otherwise harmful materials, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or formaldehyde in building materials, heavy metals, or antibacterial chemicals or phosphates in soaps?

- Is the product made from recycled materials?

- Is the packaging recyclable, compostable or simply nonexistent?

- Was it produced locally, i.e., within about 150 kilometres of your home?

- Does it feature a logo from a major environmental program, such as the Environmental Choice or Energy Star logo, or that of the Forest Stewardship Council or the Marine Stewardship Council?

- Is it Energy Star certified or is it otherwise significantly more efficient than other products with the same purpose?

- Is the product durable, maximizing its useful life and allowing reuse through donation or resale?

- Are its components reusable, recyclable or compostable at the end of the product's life?

- Does it do the work of several products?

- Are replacement parts available so you can maintain the product?

- Was it made using a renewable energy source (such as solar, wind or sustainable hydro)?