Home Depot seeks 'green' products

Atlanta -- At Home Depot, the second largest retailer in the United States behind Wal-Mart, a product ain't green until Ron Jarvis says its green.

Jarvis, senior vice president overseeing Home Depot's new Eco Options marketing program, reviews thousands of testimonials about products -- from plastic-handled paintbrushes to bug zappers to chainsaws.

"In somebody's mind, the products they were selling us were environmentally friendly," Jarvis told The New York Times. "If they say their product makes the sky bluer and the grass greener, that's just not good enough."

In determining whether a product has Eco Options potential, Jarvis consults with a private firm that audits companies' energy claims. He also contacts federal agencies or review states' guidelines when necessary.

About 2,500 products of the 6,000 goal have made the cut.

But the chain, based in Atlanta, might be too inclusive, some environmentalists say. And it still sells powerful pesticides and polluting lawnmowers.

"If they really wanted to promote sustainability, they would discontinue their products with the least green attributes," said Garvin Jabusch of Green Alfa Advisors, which directs investors on how to invest in a sustainable economy. "Manufacturers would stop making them on the spot."

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.