Healthier Hardware

Water-saving plumbing fixtures and nontoxic sealants can make your next home-repair project more sustainable, but they don't always stand out on the shelves. Plan-It Hardware is trying to fix that. The California-based distributor screens home and garden supplies for recycled content, energy efficiency, biodegradability, and other criteria to find the best products in each category. Retailers that stock Plan-It's selections get vivid "Greener Choice" labels and product guides to point eco-conscious shoppers in the right direction.