Q. What is the Green Seal program?

Green Seal works with manufacturers, industry sectors, purchasing groups, and governments at all levels to "green" the production and purchasing chain. We utilize a life-cycle approach, which means we evaluate a product or service beginning with material extraction, continuing with manufacturing and use, and ending with recycling and disposal. Products only become Green Seal certified after rigorous testing and evaluation, including on-site plant visits. Green Seal's specific programs include:

• Standards and Certification -- development of environmental leadership standards for specific product categories and certification of products and services that meet them
• Greening Your Government -- technical assistance to all levels of government in their purchasing, operations, and facilities management
• Choose Green Reports -- technical reports on products in a variety of categories giving specific brand recommendations of those that meet screening criteria
• Greening the Lodging Industry -- long-term project with hotels and motels to green their operations and purchasing, including certification of specific properties
• Policy -- leadership in green procurement policy (product recommendations), international policy for ecolabeling, etc.