California-based environmental and consumer groups have launched the nation's first voluntary certification and verification program for environmentally preferred electric products.
The Green-e Renewable Electricity Branding Program aims to help consumers choose environmentally friendly or "green" products. Californians soon will see promotional materials from marketers with the Green-e Program's certification on electric products that contain at least 50-percent renewable electric content.
"As it turned out, one person's 'green' is another person's 'brown' and many critics, including environmentalists like myself, started seeing red," said Karl Rabago, energy program manager with the Environmental Defense Fund, who sits on the governing board for the Green-e program.
Companies using the Green-e logo will authenticate its renewable energy content, abide by a code of conduct governing their business practices and give customers regular information about sources of electricity they purchase.