US retailer to give away 1m green light bulbs
The world's biggest home improvement retailer, Home Depot, has launched an Eco Options range in the US.

The line will enable customers to easily identify products that have less of an impact on the environment.

Products with the Eco Options label are either eco-friendly by definition, such as solar lights that use natural power, or have met certain criteria that have been verified by Scientific Certification Systems, an independent standards agency. Eco Options products comprise five categories: clean air, water conservation, energy efficiency, healthy home and sustainable forestry.

The Eco Options range will total 2,500 products, such as cellulose insulation, front-load washing machines, organic plant food, compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and certified wood.

Home Depot will give away 1 million CFL bulbs at its stores on Earth Day (April 22) and will launch an interactive web site dedicated to the programme.

Home Depot chairman and chief executive Frank Blake said: 'For more than a decade, Home Depot has been a proponent of environmental sustainability. Eco Options is the next step in expanding our commitment and making sure we help our customers who want to make a difference themselves.'

Vice-president of environmental innovation Ron Jarvis said: 'As the world's largest home improvement retailer, Home Depot can provide the widest variety of environmentally friendly products at the best value to more people.

'Home Depot is in the unique position to offer 1 billion customers more options to improve their environment than perhaps any other retailer. The introduction of Eco Options is further testament to Home Depot's commitment to sustainability and to help its customers choose ways to have less of an impact on the environment.'

The first Eco Options displays are rolling out now in Home Depot stores across the US.