Have you noticed how "Green" is everywhere? Enter a grocery store, and there are "green" products next to traditional ones. Billboards on the highways promoting “green" homes. How do you know which products truly embrace sustainability concepts versus traditional products with a marketing makeover? For those on the path of living a sustainable lifestyle, there’s power in leveraging purchases to support credible and sustainable businesses. As a personal consultant, I offer a few suggestions to make the distinction.
- Research before you buy. For larger more infrequent items, set aside time to research your options. Evaluate products on the full lifecycle. How much energy was used in producing the product? What is the energy consumption of your intended use? How it will be discarded later? Compare products with eco awareness in mind.
- Look for eco-labels. An eco-label is a logo indicating a product or company that has met an environmentally preferable standard.
- Buy local and buy in bulk. Supporting local businesses eliminates the need for products to be transported far distances.
- Buy organic. Purchasing merchandise certified with organic labeling is another way to bring eco awareness to your lifestyle. Buying organic means less pesticides in our ground water and better health for your family.
- Buy Fair Trade. Buying Fair Trade helps to end abuses such as child and slave labor.
- Buy products from sustainable sources like bamboo. Purchase products not tested on animals, made from renewable sources and packaged with recyclable and minimal packaging.
- Electronic purchases: Consider buying "Pre-Owned" goods. Purchasing previously owned products is a great way to implement the sustainability concept of recycling. Ebay and Craig’s list are two good sources. Also ask your electronics store about recycling options for older models.
- Get product information and updates via email and the internet instead of paper and direct mail.
- Speak up! Manufacturers are listening! Use social media to connect with business to communicate your preferences and experiences. Consumers are the biggest drivers of sustainability changes.
Access to information has put the consumer in the driver’s seat. Use that information to identify credible sustainable businesses and support sustainable products through your purchasing power.
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