And more web sites now offer products with environmentally prefer-able characteristics. Here's how to make sure the goods you buy online are as green as possible. . Look for the specific criteria used to determine whether a product or company is environmentally preferable. . Whenever possible, look beyond the product itself to the environmental practices of its manufacturer. . Look for educational material to help you understand how your purchases impact environmental problems.
Many sites provide balanced and credible information or link to other sites that do. .
Consider alternatives to buying. For example, consider renting, refurbishing, or reusing something you already have rather than buying a new one. . Avoid overnight shipping,which uses significantly more energy than shipping by rail or truck. . Ask questions about environmental claims you don't fully understand. If you don't get satisfactory answers, take your business elsewhere.