GreenGuard

Is one of your resolutions this year to be more "green"? Many of us want to make our homes and our lives more eco-friendly, yet with so many products out there it can be difficult to determine which ones live up to their claims.

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute is a non-profit organization that works hard to certify products that have been tested, and lists the products that pass their rigorous standards to ensure air quality. GREENGUARD has developed a Children and Schools certification prohram to address the unique sensitivities of children and infants, and to ensure that the products used around them are not toxic.

Why do we need GREENGUARD? Many products and materials used in our homes and schools can release hundreds of pollutants such as formalehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone and biological allergens, making the indoor air we breathe toxic. With children spending roughly 85% of their time indoors, it is important to know which ones are safe so we can limit their exposure to toxic pollutants. So next time you want to paint your walls, install new carpet or change cleaning products, check GREENGUARD's online product guide to ensure you're using the most green products around.