Being an environmentally responsible consumer is not always easy. Deciding on which product is the most environmentally preferable is not always obvious. Nevertheless, as a consumer, your conscious and informed decision makes a real difference in how products are made, used and disposed of.

To help consumers, Frogfile has developed the Six Factors in Selecting Sustainable Products® based on a consideration of the full lifecycle of a product. Using the “cradle-to-cradle” framework detailed by William McDonough & Michael Braungart in their book by the same name, these six factors can assist you in working through a purchasing decision. In each instance, certain factors may be more relevant or important than others depending on the specific product.

The Six Factors are a work-in-progress. We welcome your ideas and feedback.

Factor 1:  Materials

• What is the product made from?
• What is the post-consumer recycled content?
• Are the materials non-toxic, biodegradable, hypoallergenic?

Factor 2:  Manufacturing

• Who manufactured the product?
• What are the manufacturer’s environmental practices?
• What waste is generated in the manufacturing process and what is done with it?
• How is the product packaged?

Factor 3:  Shipping

• Where do the materials used in making the product come from?
• Where is the manufacturer located?
• How far does the product have to travel to reach you?
• What mode of shipping is used to transport the product?

Factor 4:  Use

• Do you really need the product?
• How durable is the product and how long will it last?

Factor 5:  Reusability

• Can the product be reused?
• Is the product refillable?
• Does the product have other uses after its initial intended use?

Factor 6:  Recyclability

• Can the product be deconstructed and reused, recycled or composted?
• The manufacturer may claim that the product can be recycled, but do facilities exist to actually recycle the product?