With the latest advances in "green" technology, your home can be stylish and convenient as well as environment-friendly. Shopping for new appliances is one of the joys of a new home, and now you can help the environment in the process.

Make green fit Your lifestyle
First, think about your family's space and lifestyle. Bigger may not always be better -- but neither is smaller. One trend in green appliances is a variety of new sizes and styles. These are the items promoted the most. A small, energy efficient combination washer and dryer can be great for a couple moving into a smaller first home. It would not be appropriate for a family with three kids, who would be running the machine constantly to keep up with their laundry needs.

Larger capacity washers are available with the same water- and energy-conserving features as the sleek-looking smaller ones. The same goes for any home appliance. Don't buy a go-kart if you need a minivan. Buy an environment-friendly minivan instead. Plan around your family's real-life habits, not the hypothetical lifestyle presented in advertising brochures.

Do some research
Start with the appliances you use most. The research you perform on a big-ticket item like a refrigerator will come in handy later for a small appliance decision such as a microwave. Great advances have been made in energy and water efficiency, but some companies are cashing in on the green marketing trend by putting new labels on the same old products.

Look for brand comparisons by independent consumer and environmental research groups. Become familiar with the latest features, and find out if newer models are about to become available. Look for consumer reviews with pro and con lists written by people using the appliances in their own homes. With so many choices, you can hold out for both energy efficiency and overall customer satisfaction.

What does the rating mean?
It's also important to learn the systems used to rate these products. With growing concerns over environmental impact, grades are given for water and power use, energy saving features, clean air output -- each with a special system of rating units. Some companies will even use their own rating system to make their product stand out as superior. You need to decipher sales literature that is geared toward advertising rather than informing. Learning industry standards for the products you need is your best asset and your best defense.

Trust your instincts
It's important to trust your instincts and stand by your research. You'll be enjoying these appliances for years, and there's no reason to be rushed into a decision by an eager sales associate. With the proper research, you can find products that fit in with the design of your new home as well as your lifestyle, and the money you save on your utility bills will be a reminder that you're also helping the environment.