| | | Introduction to Shopping Green

From WikiVerde

A number of slogans have grown up around the environmentally friendly mind set. Shopping Green is just one of them, but it is a motto that makes a lot of sense in many ways. Shopping green is an entire way of life that represents a philosophy of walking easy upon the planet and leaving only a good footprint to future generations. Because of the Internet and the ease of information, people today have a much better opportunity to be informed about issues such as green planet concerns and also to gain access to green products. Everyone can do a small part in supporting the health of the planet by shopping green. Here are some tips that you may not have considered that will help you to shop green.

Organic Products

Organic products are those that are not grown with the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers. This prevents the food you eat and the clothing you wear from creating allergic reactions in your body. In addition, organic foods are not coated with preservatives or other chemicals to make them look or travel better. Because these products may travel less distance from the farm to the market, they may retain more of the nutritional qualities than other foods that have been longer in transit. The drawback is that these products may cost more since it is a more precise market with higher overhead costs.

Manufacturers Using Eco-Friendly Policies

More and more companies that manufacture all types of goods are revising their policies to promote green thinking. They are attempting to avoid releasing pollutants into the atmosphere. Natural ingredients are a major portion of some product lines. Some companies even specialize in products that are environmentally friendly. Production of alternative energy products is a prime example of green manufacturing. Many other businesses make a point of stressing their energy policies and their environmental improvements. By supporting such businesses with your buying dollar, you are beginning to shop green.

How To Shop Green

Buy in Large Sizes

When you purchase in bulk, you are helping the earth in more than one way, and you are helping yourself in terms of cost for the products you buy. Purchasing items in bulk is often less expensive than purchasing numerous small bags or containers of the same product. For example, you may be able to purchase one pound of dried black beans in a plastic bag with the brand name imprinted on the plastic and cooking instructions printed on the side for $.89 to $1.29. These same beans if scooped from a bulk bin may only cost you $.69. You can store the foods at home in airtight containers that are reusable, and they will stay fresh. Purchasing in this way means that you are using fewer manufactured containers that are used once and thrown away.

Buy Fair Trade or Locally Produced Items

When you purchase such items you are more likely to be buying from companies that treat their workers fairly. Buying locally produced items means that you are not paying for energy eating transportation costs of the goods you consume. Without turning in to xenophobes, it is wise to use food products that are grown locally, because they are going to be fresher, and the vitamin content will not have been lost through lengthy transport time.

Buy Clothing Made From Renewable Resources

When you wear cotton or hemp for your clothing or shoes, you are purchasing renewable products. New miracle fabrics are great for holding shape and for other positive features, but they are also using the natural resources which cannot be renewed in most instances. Clothing made from fibers such as wool, cotton, or silk are renewable. Often the cost of these garments is comparable to the miracle fibers. You should also avoid clothing that uses chemical dye processes simply for the sake of your health.

Buy Reusable Items

The list here is extensive. Look for items that are not disposable when you buy. For example, purchase cloth diapers instead of disposable. Use a coffee mug instead of a Styrofoam cup. Use cloth napkins rather than paper ones and a sponge or cloth to clean up spills rather than paper towels. In a lifetime, even changing one of your buying habits to shop green can save tons of waste and protect many of our other increasingly scarce resources. You can use non-disposable cameras, hand razors and long-lived tires and make a big difference in the amount of landfill waste that you generate throughout your life.

Recycled containers

When you are purchasing items in the supermarket, look for containers that are made from recycled materials. This practice prevents additional plastic, glass, or metal waste from going into the landfills unnecessarily. If you recycle such containers, you will be doing your part to help the earth. If you must purchase in other containers, you can still recycle. Many people are even eliminating the use of plastic bags at the supermarket by bringing a cloth or net bag from home for their shopping items. If you buy in bulk as suggested above, you may be able to avoid disposable containers completely for most items.

Pesticide Free

You will be healthier and will be shopping green if you avoid food and clothing that is grown with heavy doses of pesticides and/or chemical fertilizers. The effects of many of the pesticides that we use routinely in the home and garden are not clearly known. In addition, the effects of chemical combinations can be devastating and to date are almost an unknown quantity. By purchasing only those items that have been grown green, you will be helping to reduce the harmful effects of chemicals and poisons on your body.

Avoiding GMO's

Wherever possible, avoid the use of products that have been genetically modified. There is increasing evidence that such products are harmful to humans and animals. Such products are not proving to be as successful for farmers as they had hoped. Avoid them for the sake of your health and your local economy.