What does it mean to be green？Green is more than just a （1）

color

color

.It also means taking special steps to protect the environment.Buying a green product is a small step everyone can take.Deciding （2）

whether

whether

a product is green，however，isn't always easy.We need to consider the whole life cycle of the product even after it's of no use.Here is what we may keep in mind.
   The materials of a product are usually the first thing we need to pay attention to.What is it （3）

made

made

of？Are there any harmful chemicals（有害化學物質） in it？Green products are made of more natural materials which are free from harmful chemicals，so （4）

they

they

can be good for our physical health.
   Packing is important.How is a product packed？Is it over packed？We'd better choose glass and paper packaging as these can be reused.We can （5）

also

also

look for less packing or even choose unbagged products if it's possible.
   Location matters.Where was a product produced？Where are we buying it？Try to choose （6）

local

local

products.When it comes to food，it is a good idea to order directly from farmers，shop at markets and buy fruits in season in your own town or city.Buying from stores near our houses is also a good choice because we can go there （7）

without

without

driving a car.
   Look into what companies（公司） tell us about their product.It's easy to say that a product is "green" or "all natural" but the words may be too good to be true.So，much of the information about a product can't be completely believed.After all，companies try to make us believe that their products are environmentally responsible（負有責任的）.
   We should develop a habit of buying what we really need.Things like food and clothing are necessary for life，but many others （8）

aren't

aren't

.Better than buying is choosing to leave an unnecessary product in the store.It sends the message to the producer — keeping money in our pockets，reducing waste and keeping the planet healthy.