Sustainability – Various interpretations are found for this one that’s quickly becoming a part of our mainstream green vocabulary. Let’s keep it simple and go with this one:  “Using methods, systems and materials that won’t deplete resources or harm natural cycles.”

1. Green Buildings – Many new construction projects are now including new and innovative environmentally friendly building materials and architectural designs. In addition, sustainable land/lots must be considered as part of the Green Building platform. Here’s the U.S. Green Building Council’s take on a Green Building: “A high performing home or business that’s energy and water efficient, has good indoor air quality, uses environmentally sustainable materials and also uses the building lot or site in a sustainable manner.”

Green Products – We are becoming increasingly aware of the need to include Green Products in our efforts to Go Green. Products are simply material things we produce or utilize in conjunction with Buildings and Practices. Here’s a definition of Green Products we like to use:  “A product that is environmentally and socially responsible, along with being accountable to, and respectful of, the places and people that provide and use them.”

Green Practices – Arguably the most important aspect of Going Green lies in the ongoing practices we perform in our day to day routines – be it at home or work.  This is the straw that stirs the Green Drink, and adopting Green Practices is the one area each and every one of us can participate in starting today. Practices also happen to have the largest overall environmental impact and is the key link in the Green Chain of Buildings, Products and Practices. Here’s a powerful definition I like to use that was created many years ago. I think it sums up the organic nature adopting of Green Practices: “In every deliberation, we must consider the impact on the seventh generation… even if it requires having skin as thick as the bark of a pine.” – Great Law of the Iroquois

Greenwashing – Even though Going Green is the right thing to do, there are always bumps in the road. Greenwashing is a commonly used term that refers to “The promotion of a product or service as being environmentally friendly without any basis in real fact.”