OK, so you want to go green(er)? But where to start? Should you improve your know how on why we need to change – so as to justify to the neighbours why a goat is eating their bushes? Or…should you jump right in and start reducing your impact by, say, making the kids push the car rather than ride in it or by shredding the bills to insulate the walls?. It is tricky to know where to begin. So you google up a “beginners guide to going green” and get “about 2,240,000” results. Fantastic.
To ensure you are getting useful and reliable information from any source you use, here is a few quick pointers on what to look for in an online article or guide;
1. Is the source trustworthy:
Have a look at that site you are on. Is it a trustworthy or reliable source – for example is it a governmental or environmentally oriented source – like the energy saving trust? Or is it a blog? Whilst blogs can – and do – offer good advice, reliable and trustworthy sources offer concrete advice worth your confidence. Another indicator of website reliability are accreditation awards. Many sites are from companies who are accredited for their works and showing a recognised accolade for quality helps support the reliability of their advice.
2. Is information referenced or supported?
Claims and statements should be backed up by substantiated information. Information not supported by statistics or other sources could be exaggerated, misconstrued or completely false. Check for evidence of the statements or claims made before making a decision based upon the information from the site!
3. Is information consistent?
Check that advice and facts do not change or contradict each other throughout the article. This is a sure-fire way to spot incorrect or misinterpreted information on the part of the author and could save you making costly decisions on inaccurate information!
4. Is information up-to-date?
If you are looking for advice or support you need to know the information is up-to-date. The reference list is useful here. Check the references or the time periods that information is taken from to ensure you are not basing a decision on outdated information
5. Fact vs Assumption vs Opinion
It is easy to read something online, take it as granted and then act upon it. However many writers can diverge from providing a factual guide, onto offering an opinion or assumption or suggestions from their experiences. Whilst experience is a laudable source of valued advice, such information has value only in limited contexts; for example: product reviews.
Conclusion
These are just a few select assessments to make of any information upon an online source. If you are keen to alter your lifestyle, brush up on an issue or two, or you are simply curious about a particular issue, then it is important that information is suitable to your cause before you invest your time – and perhaps – your money.
