With Shred Day coming up this weekend and next weekend, it's important for consumers to remember that “Green Marketing” is becomming more and more popular. All kinds of products and events are being labeled or advertised with claims they are environmentally friendly. But which claims are truthful? Here's a few red flags that a product may not be as advertised:

Hidden Trade-Offs – The ad focuses on only one positive attribute of the product without regard to other important issues.

No Proof – Makes a claim without proof from a reliable third party.

Vagueness – Uses a poorly defined or broad claim that is easily misunderstood.

False Labels – Gives the impression of an endorsement where none exists.

Irrelevance – States a truthful claim that’s unimportant or unhelpful in using environmentally friendly products.

Fibbing – Makes a claim that is false.

The FTC is reviewing its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, also known as the "Green Guides."  To see these tips from the FTC, visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/general/gen02.shtm