Communicate Your Green Message to Consumers

I recently received a press release from Mohawk Industries (parent of Dal-Tile) that included Mohawk's 10 Tips to Green Your Home. The release also included several paragraphs regarding Mohawk’s GreenWorks program, its participation in Earth Day, and its efforts to produce recyclable and environmentally friendly products.

Top 10 lists like this are a great way for manufacturers to reach out to consumers. Most of the tips that are included don’t even directly involve Mohawk, Dal-Tile or their products, which reinforces to the consumer that the company cares about sustainability in general, not just about its own products.

The list is included below for your reference.

1. Look for home products that contain recycled content-like carpeting made from soda bottles.
2. Use safe, natural and non-toxic cleaners. Your body and wallet will thank you.
3. Ask your power company if they do free energy audits to better understand your energy usage and find ways to improve your efficiency.
4. When choosing hardwoods, look for products containing low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or look at reclaimed wood options.
5. Switch to low-flow toilets and faucets to decrease your water usage.
6. Make the switch to programmable thermostats and motion detection switches for lights. That way, you'll only heat and light your house when you need it.
7. When carpeting a room, remember that the carpet's cushion acts as an insulator. Be sure to choose a good one.
8. Buy into your local Community Supported Agriculture program. These organic, local foods are a green and affordable way to feed your family.
9. When replacement time comes around, consider upgrading to high-efficiency windows and appliances, as well as compact florescent light bulbs. For an even larger impact, consider an investment in proper insulation. While some of these upgrades may cost a bit more up front, they'll pay back their investment in a few short years and give you continued energy savings for many more years to come.
10. Do your homework. Remember, being green is more than just a fashion statement. If you want to incorporate green practices into your life, know the companies that make the green products you buy. Just because someone says it's green, doesn't always mean that it is. Get the facts. Get it in writing. Also, involve your kids-they probably know more about being green than you do.