Our Criteria
The criteria i use to evaluate green products has been an area of much internal debate since I started this site. Since we are essentially reviewing green products, it is important to me to pay equal attention to each of those two components. I decided to have two “green” merits, and two “product” merits
Green Gear will use the following guide when reviewing products. Each merits is awarded a “gear”, which as you might have guessed, is green.
- (Green Component) Fixed Eco Benefit – Design, Manufacturing, and / or Downstream Efficiency- A gear will be earned in this category if the product is delivered to the client with a fixed environmental benefit. For Example, it is made of recycled materials or is manufactured using efficient production and processes. For Example, if a firm manages its downstream impact by recycling the product after use or making a product compostable a gear will be earned. Additionally, If the product by inherent design or practice otherwise arrives to the client with a fixed eco benefit (design uses less, etc…) a gear will be awarded.
- (Green Component) Variable Eco Benefit – Use Efficiency – This is awarded if the use of the product results in a benefit through a reduction of resources used over and above what is already saved when the product arrives at the consumers doorstep. For Example, the product uses 50% less water.
- (Product Component) Quality and Innovation - A gear will be awarded if the product exhibits high quality and or proves offers the user a better way of doing things not actively in place with substitute or competing products.
- (Product Component) Price and Value – A gear will be earned if this product is priced well for its market or provides the consumer with a high level of value.
- (Overall Component) Ready for Prime Time – I’ll use this point to award to product that i feel are ready to be consumed by the buying public in mass numbers. These are generally going to be products that would earn at least 3 of the other 4 Gears.
There you have it, my overly complicated way to render opinions on products. What do you think?
Updated 29 December, 2008
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You are an amazing person. Great blog!
Dave,
Instead of trolling the internet making comments on this error at blogs like metaefficient and plasticsnews.com, why don’t you take the next step?
If you prepare a well written, 450-750 word article on the difference between biodegradeable and compostable material, as well as point out some resources and features for people learn more I’ll feature it here on Green Gear under your authorship. I’d be proud to.
That way you can not only educate ignorant bloggers, but the masses as well! How about it? Partner together and do some good.