Go Green and Win! Shopping never felt so good...

Logo Watch

With so many brands and products to choose from nowadays, these third-party certification or accreditation logos - representing programs with strict standards and rigid guidelines - can help you to identify which ones are more earth friendly.

For everything from computers to coffee, look for these eco logos whenever you're out shopping and comparing products:

Energy Star.

The logo and symbol are actually registered trademarks of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Canada is considered an "International Partner," for Energy Star. It's an instantly recognizable and simple way for shoppers to identify products that meet the most rigid of standards and that are among the most energy-efficient on the market. Plus, choosing an Energy Star-labeled product could save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs, and save the environment from further deterioration. Energy Star-labeled products use less energy and electricity to do their jobs. Household appliances, office equipment and consumer electronics are where you'll find most Energy Star-labels.

EcoLogo.

This logo with the words "Environmental Choice," and the maple leaf and doves graphic is North America's oldest and most widely recognized certification of environmental leadership. Launched by the Canadian government 20 years ago, EcoLogo sets standards and certifies products in more than 120 categories, for a total of more than 7,500 certified green choices currently available to consumers; which means healthier options, for you, your home and the surrounding eco system. You'll find it on everything from cleaning products to sports equipment.

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

The FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests. At present, only 7% of the all forests are FSC certified. This logo signifies that paper and wood products, such as furniture, have been harvested from well-managed forests. You can expect to see this logo showing up increasingly on books and magazines.

Fair Trade Certified.

This is a logo with a conscience: it's all about social and environmental responsibility. Canadian consumers can forge a powerful, positive link with farming families around the world by purchasing products with the Fair Trade Certified logo. The logo guarantees that farmers are paid a fair price for their crop. It also ensures that as the product was produced and brought to market, high-quality environmental and trading standards were maintained at every step along the way. Fair Trade Certification also ensures ethical purchasing, banning child and slave labour, safe workplaces and the right to unionize, as well as adherence to the UN's charter of human rights. And because much of these crops are harvested by local communities who have been growing these plants for centuries, it also means protection and conservation of the environment. The system covers a broad range of products - such as bananas, coffee, cotton, rice and even grapes for wine.

The next time you shop, look for these logos. You'll be making a difference to everything from your energy bill to the environment.

For our full listing of all our green products, check out our Holiday Gift Guide.

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