Wearin' of the Green

If we had fun figuring out what "lite" and "organic" meant in the world of food (until the government came along and established real definitions), we're seeing real funny business with all kinds of products marked "green" and "eco-friendly" and the like.

Here are three groups that independently certify products as being environmentally-friendly. Seeing the seal of one of these groups will give me more confidence in a product's earth-friendly claims.

• Green Seal - was involved in ISO 14000 international eco-labeling policy standards.
• Greenguard Environmental Institute - certifies products that have a positive effect on indoor air.
• EcoLogo - has certified more than 7,000 products as "green" according to its scientific standards.