How do you know if you are really getting a good environmentally friendly product or shopping with an eco-responsible retailer or vendor? Not all claims are regulated or controlled. To an extent, you just have to do your research, ask questions, and read labels. Many companies are not held accountable or investigated to see if their green claims are true; however, Co-op America does have a set of guidelines any business listed within its Green Pages has to abide by. Other programs also certify the green, eco, and organic claims.

Green Seal is a private, nonprofit organization that sets standards and awards its label to products that meet and exceed its environmental criteria. Its label appears on a wide range of products from copy paper to cleaning products. Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) certifies environmental product claims for biodegradable products, certified organic ingredients, pesticide residues, recycled fibers, water efficiency, and sustainable forestry. The Chlorine Free Paper Consortium certifies paper products that have been made without the use of chlorine, and the Chlorine Free Products Association certifies paper mills that are chlorine free and that make chlorine-free products. The Global EcoLabeling Network lists programs that offer eco-labeling all over the world, and the European Union EcoLabeling Program is working to unite the eco-labeling systems around Europe.

EcoLogo gives its label to products it proves are environmentally responsible. It is the only North American standard accredited by the Global Eco-Labeling Network. It has more than 120 standards that it uses to evaluate environmental issues. Everything is examined — the product's contents, the manufacturing process, and even how the product will be used by consumers. Its website includes a complete list of all the companies and products it has certified. The list includes automotive products and services, building and construction products, cleaning and janitorial products, containers, packaging, bags, electricity products, fuels, office furniture and supplies, printing products and services, and pulp and paper products. Even services and events can get the EcoLogo seal of approval.

The LEED green building system is a program through the U.S. Green Building Council that certifies buildings to be green based on five points: sustainable site development, energy efficiency, materials selection, water savings, and indoor environmental quality. The Forest Stewardship Council accredits organizations that certify wood from responsible forests. Two FSC certifiers are Smartwood and Scientific Certification Systems.

The Green Restaurant Association provides businesses with education and training so they can become green companies. It educates green restaurants about ten environmental guidelines: energy efficiency and conservation; water efficiency and conservation; recycling and composting; sustainable food; pollution prevention; recycled, tree-free, biodegradable and organic products; chlorine-free paper products; nontoxic cleaning and chemical products; green power; and green building and construction. It also provides the restaurant staff with its book Dining Green: A Guide to Creating Environmentally Sustainable Restaurants and Kitchens. A list of green eating establishments is available at www.dinegreen.com. You can check them out when you consider reception and rehearsal dinner locations.

Another way to look for authenticity in green claims and labeling is just to do your research and ask questions. Do the owners or workers participate in environmental activities? Do they give to charity? Do they do volunteer work? Are they members of environmental or other organizations? Are they backed by well-known organizations? Trust your gut and you'll be sure to find the right businesses, products, and services that meet and exceed your green standards.