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Green Architecture Mar 21, 2008

Beware of Greenwashing While Building Your Eco-Friendly House

Greenwashing is a term used to describe companies, people, or products that claim environmental-friendly features that they don't actually possess.

A good example of greenwashing is the Clorax company. They recently released a line of "green" home cleaning products and are touting themselves as a, "We care about the planet" sort of company. However, is Clorax a good place to spend your dollars when many of their other products harm the planet, harm human and animal health, and contributes to actual unsafe eco-conditions? You should take your dollars elsewhere.

Companies and items that are actually eco-friendly expand their greeness to all aspects of their company, not just a single product. Selling yourself as green, when you're truly not equals greenwashing. Greenwashing happens in areas of green building too. Some "green" architects or green building material companies may sell their services or supplies as eco-friendly, but just because someone claims to be eco-friendly doesn't make it so.

If you want to hire green services, like an architect or construction company, and you want green building materials, be sure to check for greenwashing before you sign any contracts or write any checks.

Be sure that the builders or designers you speak with have a practice that embraces green design in all aspects. You want to work with someone who has wide reaching experience in green building, not just someone who suggests earth floors and non-toxic finishes, but that's as far as they go.

Check people's references.
Ask people you might hire if it's ok to call their old clients or see some of their eco-projects.
Ask them what their eco-home specialty is. They may rock at building straw bale homes, but if you're thinking reclaimed wood, you might want to find someone with expertise in that area.
Find out their "green" philosophy. It might be green, just not your idea of green.
Ask what other team members will be necessary if you want your home to have alternative energy sources. Most architects and contractors need extra help in this area so you'll want to hear their ideas about who they like, who they won't work with, and so fourth.

For a longer look at finding an architect who is right for you read: How To Choose a Green Architect/Contractor.

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