Are you thinking about becoming a green shopper, you should consider a few things. Essentially a green shopper is someone who considers the sustainability of everything they buy regarding the environmental and social impact of their purchases.
You can ask the below questions to determine if you are shopping green.
- Can I Reuse, Reduce, or Recycle this item?
- Does this product have a negative effect on the environment?
- How is the product made and what are the materials?
8 Ways You Can Be A Green Shopper
Avoid Excess Packaging
Green shoppers will avoid buying anything that has too much packaging especially if that packaging is not in and of itself something that can be reused and repurposed and doesn’t rot. These are all factors in considering any type of product including how long it will last. For example, if you know a table, you’re buying that is made from reclaimed wood will last your lifetime and your child’s lifetime then the purchase is likely more sustainable than buying a fad table that is made from plastic. This is one reason that I buy certain things in bulk, such as beans, rice, and nuts. When you purchase in bulk you can use reusable bags.
Ensuring That You Use Fewer Resources
Every product we produce uses resources not just for production but to get it to the place that people are going to buy it. Choosing to buy from companies that use renewable energy, less packaging, and with an eye toward recyclability makes a huge difference in whether you can be considered a green shopper or not.
Trying to Recycle More
Most people who are green shoppers also tend to recycle more themselves. They know what materials they can put in their compost, and they know the right way to recycle things that cannot be composted. They try to find ways to recycle or reuse everything they ever buy. Usually, they know how to do it before making the purchase. I always read the packaging of things to see if i can either reuse or recycle the item. This is why I purchase a lot of products in glass rather than plastic.
Buying Items That Can Recycle
When a green shopper buys something, they already know if it can be recycled and how before making the purchase. In this way, they aren’t contributing as much to the landfill because they know that the item can be recycled. If you do have to get bags from the store opt for paper bags. They are easier to break down and recycle.
Buying Items That Are Reusable
Sometimes buying items that don’t rot, and that isn’t recyclable but are reusable is an option too. If your cat’s favorite treat comes in a plastic container, can you find a way to reuse that container for something else? What about the butter containers or jars that you buy? Can they be reused and how? Mason jars and glass food storage are my go to. They are easy to maintain and can last forever.
Buying Items that Improve the Environment
Many green shoppers enjoy buying items that improve their environment such as planting native plants in their yard or building a food forest. Perhaps you want to buy solar power or containers to catch rainwater all of which can improve your environment.
Buying Items that Are Socially Responsible
Sometimes sustainability isn’t only about the environment. Sometimes it’s about buying for a fair price from a small farmer who uses safe growing practices. For example, do you know where you get your coffee and tea? Is it sustainable? Is it fair to the farmers and those who are picking the product? Shopping at second hand stores, or supporting locally made products are all great examples of being a responsible shopper.
Researching Company Practices for Sustainability
Finally, one thing that is super important if you want to be a green shopper is to look beyond the advertisements to the truth. Learn all you can about each company you buy from to ensure that they’re not only using green packaging, green growing, but are also treating people well in the process.
If you want to become a green shopper, take the time to research the items, you think you need as well as potential alternatives. Try to buy locally from people who care about the environment and their own impact on the earth.
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