key eco-questions to ask of every material and product

where has it come from?

• is it from a naturally renewable source?
• was it made in a nonpolluting, energy-efficient way?
• were the rights of the workers respected with good conditions, reasonable hours, and fair pay?
• will it travel vast distances to reach me?  can I choose locally made products instead?

how will I use it?

• will it be energy efficient, saving me money and saving the environment carbon emissions?
• is it built to last, or will it fall apart as soon as the guarantee ends?
• is it easy to maintain and fix?  am I able to get spare parts?

where will it go once I am done with it?

• can I pass it on to someone else to use after I have finished with it?
• can I recycle it easily?
• will it biodegrade?

If we purchase or use quality, durable products that are multi functional, easily repaired, and manufactured responsibly, we can reduce our impact on the earths resources.