Green Living: Shopping that's Eco-friendly
Every once in a while, I like to spend a few dollars at the shopping mall. Okay, maybe more than just a few dollars, and maybe more than every once in a while! But, when I do splurge, I like to make sure that I think about the environment (if not so much about my bank account). With this in mind, I'd like to offer some tips I consider and practice on my trips to the mall and/or grocery store.
Tip Number #1: BYO Bag
Hate paying five cents for a plastic bag at the check-out? Now, you don't have to! Why not try getting a re-usable one to carry all of your groceries and other purchases instead? They are stronger, they hold more stuff, are easier to carry, and aren't going straight to the landfill, after only one use. They are fairly inexpensive too; I bought mine at the dollar store. Available, for even trend-setters, in all shapes, sizes, patterns and colours, re-usable bags also fold up nicely when you're not using them, so they transport easily.
Biodegradable plastic bags too, are a better option than the regular ones, but be advised that some aren't as eco-friendly, as they claim to be. In perfect conditions, plastic slowly decomposes into plastic dust, but remains toxic to the environment and life within the area. So, next time you're at the checkout counter, remember to say, “Oh, I have my own bag, thanks.”
Tip Number #2: Look for Local
Before you reach for your wallet, take a glance at the tag or label of the item you're about to purchase. Chances are it was made somewhere overseas (and probably by mistreated employees, but that's a whole different topic), which means it took part in all sorts of transportation and pollution, before it even got to the shelf in that store.
Try to buy things that were made here in Canada, or even in the U.S. The gas trail is shorter, and the manufacturer was more likely to have been fairly paid.
Tip Number #3: Just Say No to Animal Testing
Oftentimes, poor little furry creatures are forced to try our products, before we do! Even though we have the technology to do product trials without the use of animals, some companies still barbarically put defenseless critters through product testing, because it's cheaper than any alternative.
But, just because a label says, “this product was not tested on animals” doesn't mean the ingredients used to make it weren't. Another deceiving label is, “[company name] doesn't believe in animal testing” which really makes no guarantee that testing on animals is not being practiced. (For more information and a list of companies that do and do not test on animals, please visit www.caringconsumer.com - I think you'll be surprised at how many you recognize.)
Hopefully, these suggestions will encourage you to consider what you buy, how you carry it, and how this affects the world around you. Regardless of whether you are indulging in some shopping therapy, or just purchasing your weekly groceries, you will be helping to reduce waste and discourage unethical testing. How can you not feel good about that?!
Tip Number #1: BYO Bag
Hate paying five cents for a plastic bag at the check-out? Now, you don't have to! Why not try getting a re-usable one to carry all of your groceries and other purchases instead? They are stronger, they hold more stuff, are easier to carry, and aren't going straight to the landfill, after only one use. They are fairly inexpensive too; I bought mine at the dollar store. Available, for even trend-setters, in all shapes, sizes, patterns and colours, re-usable bags also fold up nicely when you're not using them, so they transport easily.
Biodegradable plastic bags too, are a better option than the regular ones, but be advised that some aren't as eco-friendly, as they claim to be. In perfect conditions, plastic slowly decomposes into plastic dust, but remains toxic to the environment and life within the area. So, next time you're at the checkout counter, remember to say, “Oh, I have my own bag, thanks.”
Tip Number #2: Look for Local
Before you reach for your wallet, take a glance at the tag or label of the item you're about to purchase. Chances are it was made somewhere overseas (and probably by mistreated employees, but that's a whole different topic), which means it took part in all sorts of transportation and pollution, before it even got to the shelf in that store.
Try to buy things that were made here in Canada, or even in the U.S. The gas trail is shorter, and the manufacturer was more likely to have been fairly paid.
Tip Number #3: Just Say No to Animal Testing
Oftentimes, poor little furry creatures are forced to try our products, before we do! Even though we have the technology to do product trials without the use of animals, some companies still barbarically put defenseless critters through product testing, because it's cheaper than any alternative.
But, just because a label says, “this product was not tested on animals” doesn't mean the ingredients used to make it weren't. Another deceiving label is, “[company name] doesn't believe in animal testing” which really makes no guarantee that testing on animals is not being practiced. (For more information and a list of companies that do and do not test on animals, please visit www.caringconsumer.com - I think you'll be surprised at how many you recognize.)
Hopefully, these suggestions will encourage you to consider what you buy, how you carry it, and how this affects the world around you. Regardless of whether you are indulging in some shopping therapy, or just purchasing your weekly groceries, you will be helping to reduce waste and discourage unethical testing. How can you not feel good about that?!
