MNN - Mother Nature Network

I’ve been pretty much spared from purchasing any questionable green gadgets for the home -- although the SUCK UK Sun Jar that I use as a night light doesn’t shine as brightly as I wish it would -- and all and all, I consider myself savvy when it comes to green purchasing.

In addition to some serious skepticism, I have the work of resources like WebEcoist to thank. The site’s recent compilation of The World’s Dumbest Green Tech and Gadgets taps into that all-too-familiar scenario of consumer greenwashing: we buy dubious products marketed as eco-friendly and it turns out they are useless, expendable, and, in many cases, not very eco-friendly at all.

 

WebEcoist’s sage advice? Steer clear of cheap, so-called-green goods and opt for high-end products (even if they aren’t labeled as green) that won’t need to be replaced as often.

 

Among the offenders on WebEcoist’s list are decidedly esoteric home products like the Eco Kettle and the Newspaper Log Roller alongside housekeeping staples like the Swiffer (I sheepishly admit to relying on one of these to tackle the dust bunnies terrorizing my apartment). 

 

It’s near impossible to be green through and though when making purchases for the home, but quite easy to exercise sound shopping judgment -- keep in mind that not all green things are gold -- and look for reliable certification before you click on “buy.”