Shopping to Save the Environment
When we consider environmental issues, the biggest topics are usually conserving energy and water, and reducing greenhouse gases. This makes people think about their home plumbing, turning off lights when rooms are not in use, and limiting the time they spend in motorized vehicles.
While all of these considerations are certainly important, it is also necessary that we recognize the little ways that we can help improve the state of the environment.
There are many ways that consumer behaviour affects the environment and they certainly extend past the selection of energy efficient appliances and electronics. Virtually everything that we purchase has the potential to help or harm the environment. Here are some ways that you can minimize your next shopping trip’s impact:
Purchase Higher Quality Items. There is a evolving trend in the marketplace for inexpensive goods that allow us to have more and spend less. Although paying less for the things we need is not necessarily a bad thing, it can become a problem if the purchased items are of a low quality. For example, an inexpensive item may appear to save you money at first, but could cost more in the end because it will have to be replaced more frequently.
Not only is this damaging to your wallet, it is also a bad deal for the environment. Manufacturing goods takes energy and natural resources; by purchasing higher quality items that have to be replaced less frequently, you can minimize the impact that your shopping has on the environment.
Buy post-consumer recycled paper products. The paper industry is one of the largest contributors to global warming emissions. By purchasing post consumer recycled products, such as paper, toilet paper, and tissue, you will be reducing the number of trees cut down and alleviating some of the environmental damage created. Do not worry, post consumer recycled paper products are often indistinguishable from their non-recycled counterparts in terms of quality and comfort.
Go Natural. When ever possible, purchase natural and organic items; for example, many clothing lines now carry organic cotton items which have the added benefit of being less likely to irritate your skin.
Bring Your Own Bag. Not only do the items you purchase require energy and resources to produce, so do the bags that you carry your new goods home. What do you do with those plastic and paper bags once you are at home?
If you are already thinking green, you may recycle them as garbage bags, or bring them back to the store with you the next time you return. However, the fact remains that these bags are ultimately disposable. A better option is to purchase reusable shopping bags made from organic or recycled materials.
The best thing is that as these bags have grown in popularity, they have also grown in style. Reusable shopping bags come in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes so you do not have to sacrifice your image in order to save the environment.
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