Buying Green
Local resources, incentive programs and selected, helpful web links that will help you buy products and materials that are more energy efficient and/or sustainable.
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Web resourcesGreen Electronics (International)A simple one-stop-shop for consumers and businesses. Source and purchase green consumer electronics and computer products currently available. Each product's GREEN-SPECS™ are displayed to provide consumer confidence that their electronics and computer hardware purchase is based on prevailing worldwide compliance standards, classifications, and definitions on what classifies them to be considered green or greener. Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) (International)EPEAT is a U.S.-based system to help purchasers in the public and private sectors evaluate, compare, and select desktop computers, notebooks and monitors based on their environmental attributes. EPEAT also provides a set of performance criteria for the design of products and provides an opportunity for manufacturers to secure recognition for efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its products.Greenpeace International Electronics Companies Comparison (International)This guide ranks the 18 top manufacturers of personal computers, mobile phones, TV's and game consoles, according to their policies on toxic chemicals, recycling, and climate change.ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances (National)Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency has a list of current ENERGY STAR-approved home appliances, as well as information about the approval system.Green Batteries (International)This site provides a lot of information on environmentally friendly NiMH and Li-ion rechargeable batteries and battery chargers, plus great prices on NiMH and lithium ion rechargeable batteries, chargers and accessories. Use green batteries in all your battery-operated electronics.National Geographic’s Green Guide ‘Shades of Green’ Q&A (International)Window coverings are great insulators in winter or summer. This online question and answer offers a detailed discussion of the ecological considerations in selecting window-covering materials. See our Home Heating and Home Cooling guides for more information on the insulating benefits of window coverings. eBay’s Window Treatments Buying Guide (International)Use window coverings to save on heating and cooling energy use. This guide offers information on various types of window coverings, as well as how to measure your windows. There is also a guide specific to blinds that outlines the various styles of blinds and how to find ones that fit your windows. See our Home Heating and Home Cooling guides for information on the insulating benefits of window coverings. R-2000 Home Construction Standard (National)Whether you are buying, building or just curious, visit Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency for information on R-2000 homes.Buying a home (National)The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has online resources for buying a new home or renovating your existing one.Get an efficient mortgage (National)The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers a 10% refund on its mortgage loan insurance premium to borrowers who buy or build an energy-efficient home. To qualify, the home's energy efficiency must be rated using the EnerGuide rating system or be R-2000 certified and meet certain minimum requirements. Genworth Financial Canada's Energy-Efficient Housing Program offers the same mortgage loan insurance refunds as CMHC and is based on the same criteria.Local resourcesBritish Columbia Electronics Materials Exchange (B.C.)Buying second-hand equipment saves money and resources. It's also a great way to get rid of things you no longer need. The British Columbia Electronics Materials Exchange lets you sell, give away or trade things you don't want with people who do. It's like an online garage sale. You can also post requests for items that you need.Craigslist Canada (National)Craigslist is a free, online buy-and-sell service. Look for the nearest listing to you and check for office furniture. Craigslist is a great way to find used items at fair prices or sell items you no longer need. Always check the items before you buy and don't send money without using a secure service.Other ways to buy (and sell) (International)Some other online places to find used office furniture and equipment include BuySell.com and eBay. You can often find well-priced, quality items. Always check the products out before you buy and don't send money without using a secure service. Also, look for second-hand furniture stores in your area. Many of them are great sources for goods and part of the proceeds often goes to a good cause. |
Last Modified: Jul 23, 2009
