The term "green" is being used to market everything from food to furniture, and it's also becoming an enticement for the biggest purchase most of us will ever make: buying a home. That's why understanding certain environmental criteria before you shop for a new home can help you avoid the increasingly prevalent "green-washing" that misinformed or less scrupulous sellers and agents engage in when listing their properties. Here are five tips to keep in mind when looking for an eco-conscious home. Know the industry standards Rely on two green-living standard-bearers: the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and Energy Star. The USGBC is known for its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, which guides mainstream homebuilders on sustainable practices. Home shoppers and owners can use the USGBC's Green Home Guide to get free info and tips. Run by the Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Star has certified over 750,000 new homes in the U.S., and its website offers a wealth of information on what to look for when eco-house shopping. Key green-building benchmarks Make sure the home meets these five green benchmarks: - Saves energy - Conserves water - Provides a healthy indoor environment - Protects natural resources - Reduces the impact on the community To save energy, check to make sure the home is Energy Star certified. Energy Star confirms effective insulation, efficient heating and cooling, and quality windows. To conserve water, many newer homes have under-sink flow restrictors and dual-flush toilets -- be sure to check older homes for these add-ons. To ensure indoor air quality, determine if walls are covered with low volatile-organic-compound (VOC) paints, and whether cabinets are free from formaldehyde-containing materials. To see if a home protects natural resources, check for recycled content in carpets or tile and look for renewable materials such as bamboo or sisal in other flooring options. Lastly, look at the building's impact on the community based on its location. Can you easily run errands without a car? Is there access to alternative transportation? Visit Walk Score to locate key services within walking distance of your potential home. Work with an eco-expert "Green realtors" are a growing presence in the real estate world. Online services like EcoBroker can help you seek out an environmentally knowledgeable agent. While interviewing potential brokers, make sure they can recognize a property's environmental benefits, suggest possible eco-friendly renovations and advise you on possible tax credits or rebates for making energy- or water-efficiency upgrades. 3 R's of green living As you tour your potential new home, (quietly) mutter this green mantra: "renovate, reuse, recycle." A good green kitchen or bathroom remodel typically nets the best return on your renovating dollar. Take a tour of the lot as well and look for mature deciduous trees, a great natural temperature controller -- in summer, the shade cools the home; in winter, the bare branches let in more light and heat. Oh, and make sure it's convenient to recycle your kitchen wastes into compost, because you'll be growing an abundant garden in that sunny spot in the yard. After all, you can't get much greener than that. Read the entire post at MSN.com. Author Gretchen Newcomb. Renaissance Homes is an award winning Street of Dreams custom home builder specializing in green building, remodeling and renovations for the Portland market. Awarded the Portland Homebuilder’s Association 2011 “Builder of the Year.”