Shopping Tips
Here are some ways to become an eco-friendly shopper:
- Avoid impulse shopping Ask yourself: Is it recyclable at ends use? Is it built for longevity? Is it made from "green" materials? Is there an eco-friendly option?
- Shop locally Look for eco-frienldy products during your typically shopping trip. Buying locally reduces shipping pollution and petrol use. Keep an eye out, eco-friendly brand names are making way to retail stores.
- Don’t follow trends This goes for the green movement as well, so don’t replace your entire wardrobe with all organic cotton. Analyze your personal style and interests and stick with it, then buy what you need, when you need it.
- You get what you pay for Items made with quality in mind use better materials and have better construction which leads to longevity. This saves you money in the long run, reduces the amount of material and energy needed for replacements and disposal.
- Buy American Imported items may be cheaper but the manufacture doesn’t always have to abide by the same environmental regulations. Buying locally made items means reduced pollution and energy use.
- Bulk may not work All-natural products lack synthetic preservatives and may not perform the same in the end as in the beginning. Gauge the appropriate sized bottle for your needs and shaking well before using keeps ingredients mixed.
- “Disposal” is a Dirty Word One-time-use products don’t recycle well and take up space in landfills. There are earth-friendly alternatives to everything that is made to be thrown away. Or try using the items more than once, like food storage bags which clean well and last much longer than expected.
- Reusable Bags Create a collection of reusable bags for everyday shopping. They hold more, rest easily on the shoulder, are washable and extremely durable. Choose bags made from eco-friendly materials.
- Read the Label Companies are jumping on the Green Wagon with words like “natural” or “organic” but you should be able to pronounce the ingredients list. And avoid items with caution words like “Corrosive” and “Flammable”.
- Avoid Plastic Choose products packed in non-plastic options like powdered detergents, frozen juice and bar soaps. Plastic is made up of petroleum, can be difficult to recycle and take centuries to break down.
- Certified? Non-profit organizations like Rainforest Alliance exist to insure green practices are followed. Look for certification from groups like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) which confirms sustainable farming practices and EnergyStar which means the item uses less energy.
- Don't be Cruel Look for the Leaping Bunny label when shopping for personal care, beauty and cleaning products. Chances are these items will be safer for you, the Earth and definitely its fuzzy creatures. For a complete personal care and beauty product list, visit aavs.org.