With trendsetters singing the hallelujahs of eco-alternative products, many companies produced their pro-earth answers, stuffing the market with the ubiquitous green leaf label. But how can a consumer know if the product actually does no harm? First, research as much as possible to know what’s behind the label. Don’t get “greenwashed”—the frightfully easy practice of labeling products “green,” when in actuality, they fall short of EPA standards. For example, the organic foods market often greenwashes the public, and some products are only organic in strictest sense of the word. Try to avoid these five products that contribute to the greenwashing scheme by falling short of their green claims.

1. “Eco-shaped” Water Bottle:

Since this single-use bottle design uses 30% less plastic than regular bottles, Poland Springs proudly boasts that they are “Doing their part.” The truth is, there is no need for plastic water bottles at all, and most plastic bottles end up in landfills, no matter their shape. Plus, the energy that goes into creating and transporting these bottles nullifies any “green” claim. You’ll live greener by drinking out of a reusable bottle made of stainless steel or aluminum.

2. Simple Green Household Cleaner:

This popular household cleaner labels itself as nontoxic and a “safer alternative” to other cleaners. However, a toxic solvent called butyl cellosolve is one of Simple Green’s key ingredients. Butyl cellosolve is also found in some traditional all-purpose cleaners. It seems Simple Green is aware of this problem, because its label warns customers to not “dispose near storm drains, oceans, lakes, or streams.” Simple Green maintains that the cleaner is nontoxic, but acknowledges the presence of butyl cellosolve. The company says they will soon launch a truly all-natural cleaner to meet customer demand, but in the meantime, stick with homemade mixes of water and baking soda.

3. Green Trash Bags:

Although marketed as biodegradable or compostable because they break down faster than normal trash bags, green trash bags must be used correctly to earn the green title. If not, they negatively impact the environment. If you fill a green bag with leaves, for example, the leaves break down along with the bag, and repurpose as mulch. On the other hand, if the bags are stuffed with empty containers of bug pray, bleach, cleaners, or similar, more common forms of “garbage,” the composting bag leaks whatever is inside. A regular plastic trash bag, although not itself good for the environment, contains whatever it holds and prevents toxins from getting out.

4. Toyota Prius:

Along with the recent safety concerns, the first—and most popular—hybrid car may or may not be an eco-friendly set of wheels. New, albeit conflicting, scientific reports take note that although the Prius claims to get up to 6o mpg, gas mileage is the last factor to weigh when considering the green qualities of a vehicle. The production, raw materials sources, and the shipping methods all matter more, and in these areas, Toyota definitely does not measure green. For example, the Prius’ battery contains nickel mined in a Canadian mill nicknamed “The Superstack,” because it produces miles of wasteland and pollution. The mined nickel then travels to Europe, China, Japan, and the United States for different steps in the production process via freighter—costly in both dollars and carbon emissions. Other studies debunk these, so do copious research before shelling out for any hybrid vehicle.

5. Artificial Christmas Trees:

These faux pines have long been lauded as a green alternative to chopping down a natural tree, but the unsafe levels of lead and PVC (and smell!) remain a concern, as many come from Chinese warehouses. As artificial trees age and spend most of the year in storage, they begin release lead dust. Artificial trees are also very difficult to throw out; the plastic does not decompose and cannot be recycled. Although pesticides are sometimes used on real Christmas trees, environmentalists say that real Christmas trees are the best option from an ecological point of view. Besides the fact that there’s no PVC or lead dust releasing, real Christmas trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. 
Christmas tree farms exist only to grow Christmas trees, so your purchase does not contribute to deforestation. You can even opt for an organic Christmas trees by looking up farms in your area.  Environmentalists also suggest purchasing a tree you can replant after the holidays, but if not, at least compost the tree or drop it off at a local area dedicated to repurposing the tree as mulch.

If you even further proof that going green is difficult, according to a study noted on the Freakonomics blog, new research concludes that green products negatively affect behavior. People who purchase green products “act less altruistically and more likely to cheat and steal after purchasing green products than after purchasing conventional products.” So going green makes you feel better, but act worse. And with SUVs and pesticides making eco-friendly claims these days, don’t trust the label. Do the research.

A lot of people want to live green or give to environmental causes, but they have trouble finding information or advice. Enter some of Hollywood’s hottest stars who use their celebrity status for good: to raise awareness about the need for global environmentalism. Here are five examples of true star power:

Leonardo DiCaprio not only flies commercially and drives a hybrid car, but in 1998, he started The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation which, “…supports efforts to secure a sustainable future for our planet and all of its inhabitants.” The foundation promotes global warming initiatives, fresh water and ocean conservation, and the need for fuel biodiversity.  DiCaprio also wrote and narrated The 11^th Hour, a documentary film that interviewed green leaders and discussed the challenges and changes facing our generation.

Actress and activist Daryl Hannah sat in a tree for 23 days in a bid to save L.A.’s South Central Farm, an urban community garden. She was arrested for her efforts, but this longtime environmentalist didn’t let the experience deter her. She drives a biodiesel car and runs her eco-blog dh love life, giving tips on living green and ways to get involved with green movements.

Brad Pitt parlayed his love of architecture into rejuvenating the 9^th Ward of New Orleans, a neighborhood devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Pitt founded the non-profit organization Make It Right and remains on the cutting edge of green architecture movement, which strives to build environment-friendly houses.  Because of Pitt and organizations such as Make it Right and Global Green, the Lower 9^th Ward is on its way to becoming one of the largest “green” neighborhoods in the nation.  Pitt also supports his former co-star and noted green guru Ed Norton’s Solar Neighbors Program, a joint project with BP that connects well-to-do individuals with low-income families who wish to go solar, but can’t afford it. Anytime a celebrity purchases a solar energy system, another family receives one for free.

Matt Damon lends his name to several green media projects. He narrated the National Geographic documentary Running the Sahara, which depicts the diverse cultures of the Saharan people while highlighting the need for clean water. Damon put his money where his mouth is and in response to the African water crisis described in the film, cofounded water.org. In 2007, Damon joined up with his longtime friend and writing partner Ben Affleck to raise awareness for the “Clean my Ride, Flex my Fuel” program, a campaign aimed at getting the US Congress to raise fuel-efficiency standards and provide more ethanol-based fuel stations across America.

Not only does she play a Hero on television, Hayden Panettiere is one teenage actress that can say she is one in real life. She’s the spokeswoman for Save the Whales Again!, an international conservation campaign for dolphins, whales, and other sea life. Panettiere even sold personal items online to raise money for the foundation. Most recently, Panettiere stars in the Oscar-winning documentary The Cove, which raised awareness about the secret slaughter of 20,000 dolphins in Japan.  As a result of Panettiere’s heroic efforts and the film’s success, many of the dolphins are to be released into the wild.

Even though you don’t have to be a movie star or a millionaire to make a difference, these movie stars and yes, millionaires, are doing their part, and have helped many find resources to live and give green.