Great green choices.

Readers of Consumer Reports who have noted the glowing reviews of hybrid cars, low-VOC paint, natural foods and other Earth-friendly products might have suspected that the staff harbored more than a few closet environmentalists. Now the magazine is coming clean with the website GreenerChoices.org, designed to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. A survey commissioned by the popular magazine (with a paid circulation of five million) revealed that only five percent of consumers consider themselves to be Earth activists, but nine out of 10 consider environmental and health factors as part of purchasing decisions. According to the website's director, Dr. Urvashi Rangan, "Forty three percent said they would be willing to pay more for electricity generated from environmentally sound sources like solar and wind power." You'll learn on the site, for instance, that compact fluorescent bulbs last six to 10 times longer than standard bulbs, reduce lighting costs by 67 percent and, when installed around your home, can cut power-plant carbon dioxide emissions by 100 pounds a year. The site's hands-on guides to green rebates and recycling options are also useful.