Living Green: Going Green when Going Shopping
Here are some practical ways to begin living green when doing regular household shopping:
Purchase local products (vegetables, meats, breads, fruits), which decreases the demand for long-haul transportation of goods across the country. Select organic produce, which was not subjected to pesticides or chemicals during the growing process, yielding not only better produce, but less environmental damage. Leave aerosol deodorants and hairspray on the shelf, as they release gases and chemical into the air. Choose non-aerosol, and your lungs with thank you. Choose fragrance-free products that decrease air pollution, have fewer chemicals, and make it easier to breathe for those with allergies or respiratory conditions. When purchasing any type of product in packaging, read the labels for biodegradability of both the product and the container. Walk or ride a bike to the local market or shops. Look for 'greener' lines of products that are earth-friendly. Rather than getting the plastic bags from the store, purchase resuasable fabric grocery totes (usually $1 each) that can be used for every visit. Set your reusable fabric grocery totes near the front door, so that you'll remember to take them with you on shopping trips. For smaller items, opt for no bag at all, but keep the receipt handy in case you need to provide proof of purchase. Keep a fabric bag in the car to hold these items. Remember: the little things add up! :)
Tanya