Where shoppers can get an environmental edge

Several organizations offer advice to the would-be earth-friendly shopper. Of course, sometimes the most environmentally sound decision is not to buy at all. Environmental groups often urge consumers to borrow or rent what they need, if they only need it occasionally.

Here are a few groups with ideas on how to make your greenback more green:

Co-op America (www.coopamerica.org) Its Green Pages Online are a quick way to find products and services that take the environment into account.

Council on Economic Priorities (www.cepnyc.org) Rates corporations by various environmental and social criteria. In April, it will publish an updated version of its very successful guide "Shopping for a Better World."

EcoMall (www.ecomall.com) One of the oldest Internet portals for eco-shopping. Also publishes Green Shopping Magazine online with daily updates.

GreenMoney On-Line Guide (www.greenmoney.com) Contains links to socially responsible businesses, banks, mutual funds, and products. Publishes the quarterly GreenMoney Journal.

WoodWise (www.woodwise.org) A great source for earth-friendly lumber and other building materials.

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