Hey, when the Canadians are right, they’re right. And to me, the news that they tend to be cynical about green products strikes me as a correct response. Looking over the types of products that many companies are claiming are “green”, it’s easy to see the marketers are cynical themselves. They hope people will buy products based on the idea of “feeling good” about their purchases and relegating their brain to the dustbin as they buy products based on their emotions.

A staggering number of Canadians want to buy green, but don’t trust the label.

More than 85 per cent of those surveyed said that there need to be labelling regulations, so that when green claims are made, consumers know what they mean. And almost as many said governments should provide clear guidelines for corporations, so that everyone is on the same page when claims are made that a product is “green,” “organic” or results in “low emissions.”

I couldn’t agree more. In fact, labeling is a huge issue and trust even bigger. The companies that short change consumers and misrepresent products not only hurt the customer, they hurt themselves and the overall green movement.

These consumers are even convinced it doesn’t cost more to make green products, so they aren’t sure why they should pay more. I think these are all valid complaints and anyone pushing eco-friendly products will have to answer these questions at some point.

Eco friendly technologies are being showcased at the press center for the latest meeting of the G8 leaders. Some of the touches at the International Media Center in Rusutsumura. Some people have said the summit is a showcase for new environmentally friendly cars.

Among the cars available for test drive was Mazda’s Hydrogen Re, which is touted as the world’s first commercially available eco-car equipped with a hydrogen rotary engine.

A social worker of Rusutsumura, who took a test ride in the car, said: “It was so quiet and comfortable. Compared with my regular small car, it was a paradise.”

Another vehicle available for test driving was Toyota’s Personal Mobility i-Real, a lithium ion battery-powered vehicle that operates something like a chair on wheels, with cruising and walking modes.

Considering how many influential media members and politicians will be at the event, it will probably be a great boost for the advancement of green tech.

Eco friendly products for the home are being increasingly sold every day. We, as consumers, need to be aware of what’s really going on when it comes to purchasing such items. The label “eco friendly” is one that is ripe for abuse. People who want to buy “green” products need to be aware that not all vendors of so-called green products are really living up to their promise to deliver environmentally friendly merchandise that can be used in the average household.

It’s Caveat Emptor when it comes to green products

Make no mistake, every single household item that you can think of has an “organic” counterpart. You just need to use common sense before plunking down your hard-earned cash on such items. For instance, you shouldn’t automatically go for the “green products” without knowing whether they are as effective as their non-green cousins. Neither should you instantly be willing to pay more for such items. That sets a bad precedent that tells companies it’s “okay” to overcharge for products because environmentally aware consumers are fools with their money!

The labeling of eco friendly products is still in its’ infancy. In fact, there is no cohesive regulation in much of the world for such labels.

Look for the label

Labels to look for include: Energy Star, USDA Organic, and Fair Trade Certified. If a household item does not contain one of these labels, and is still being touted as eco friendly, you may have a problem on your hands. In the next few years I expect to see much stronger legislation applied to eco friendly products as the sector continues to grow rapidly.

All you can is your best when it comes to buying eco friendly products for the home. Use the legit labeling programs, and your common sense, as a guide.

With more and more people trying to cut back on the amount of money they pay for fuel, a new auto that is powered by compressed air could cut this expense to zero.

Zero Pollution Motors has come up with autos that have low to no harmful emissions and achieves over 100 gas-equivalent mpg with speeds of over 90 mph. It seats six and runs off of compressed air.

Zero Pollution Motors is now taking orders for these cars and consumers will be able to take delivery of them in early 2010.

To find out more, please visit Zero Pollution Motors

Sony Electronics and Waste Management recently announced that they will be hosting an electronic
recycling program in Minnesota on April 11th and 12th, 2008 from 9 AM to 4 PM.

“People are seeking services to help them recycle electronic waste responsibly and economically,” said Julie Ketchum, director of government affairs for Waste Management. “We hope to collect as much recyclable material as possible through this free event. It is our way of demonstrating a shared commitment with the community, by providing outstanding customer service and environmental stewardship.”

Minnesota residents are urged to bring their unwanted electronics to any of the following locations:

Canterbury Park Racetrack
Shakopee
1100 Canterbury Rd South, Shakopee, MN 55379

Minnesota State Fair Grounds
St. Paul
1265 North Snelling Ave. St Paul, MN 55108

National Sports Center
Blaine
1700 105th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55449

Grace Church
Eden Prairie
9301 Eden Prairie Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

Ecolab Schuman Campus (Saturday Only)
Eagan
Building F, 655 Lone Oak Dr, Eagan, MN 55121

People that participate will get a discount coupon to attend EarthFest, A Party for the Planet, on the
following weekend, April 19th and 20th at the Minnesota Zoo in Eagan, Minnesota.

So if you happen to be in the area and have electronics that need disposed of, don’t send them to a landfill!