How do we start – shoppin’ “greener” and being more environmentally friendly in the way we live….. as you walk through the isles in the grocery store, you’ll notice most ‘eco’ products are slightly if not significantly priced ‘higher’ than other products, not boasting the ‘green’….. As time has passed, I’ve noticed my ‘eco’ products coming down in price. {If it’s discounted, significantly – chances are it didn’t work too well }
You really have to take some time, when you start the conversion — and read the labels. Use the product and really ‘compare’ it to what you used before and how the over all results came out. Not all ‘eco’ products really do the job, and not all are as ‘eco friendly‘ as they claim. They may only contain partly environmentally friendly ingredients. Keep in mind – all products start out a handful of ingredients, mixed together… not all mixes work right the first time. Using coupons and surfing the internet, allows you the added opportunity to read a bit more about the products, the company and give yourself a bit more ‘insider’ information – before you head for the grocery store. Don’t forget to print up the coupon and take advantage of the savings. That way the ‘slightly’ higher price won’t overwhelm you as much either. . .
Image by Moosicorn via Flickr
It takes time to ‘change’ and the ‘converting’ process is the most challenging part. . Buying some good glass storage containers/jars makes it more convenient to shop in the bulk section or buy a larger quantity. Stop and look at the way products are sold. The ”packaging” is great place to start the ‘green’ works.
Ever went shopping and as your putting things away, you find yourself taking them out of the plastic, then out of the cardboard, to put the individual plastic containers on the shelf….. hmm, a large tub of yogurt would have eliminated all that ‘packaging’materials and processing …
Or instead of that little box of oats – you can get twice as much in the bulk section for the same price. By using a glass jar – it will stay fresh and you won’t need to buy it as often… Saving you money and repeated purchasing….
Ever wonder how much is wasted just on what I call ‘repeated purchasing’… One of my favorite examples of this would be the guy that is always – Going to the store everyday for a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of pop.. A carton and a 6 pack would last all week and save 5 days worth of gas and time on trips back and forth to the store…… Hence – probably saving enough money for the next weeks purchase, with the cost of a gallon of gas these days… And my dad would say – Don’t forget to add the wear and tear that it uses off of the car – as well….. Seems like nothing, but even pennies add up. { How much waste and other pollutions could be prevented?}
Do you go out and start the car – just to drive down the block to the convienence store? when you probably could get there walking in about the same amount of time? Especially on a main traffic path during traffic hours….
There has only been one product I haven’t been able to say “I’m green” about…. I do use ‘unscented’ and avoid perfumes and chemical additives. But my toilet paper has to be 2 ply and has to be soft. The ‘eco’ and ‘recycled’ brands have all proven to be too thin, too weak and NOT soft…. So if anyone finds a good eco T.P. that’s worth recommending – let me know – I’m willing to give it a try.
Think green and keep it clean ~ Happy Shoppin to all
Related articles
- Environmentally-Friendly Shopping: Know Where to Go (everydayhealth.com)
- Is It Really Environmentally Friendly? (everydayhealth.com)
- Becoming an Environmentally-Friendly Shopper (everydayhealth.com)
- First U.S. No-Packaging Grocery to Open in 2011 (blogher.com)
- No more shrink wrap: Would you support a zero waste grocery store? (theglobeandmail.com)
- Paper or Plastic: Making an Environmentally-Friendly Choice (everydayhealth.com)
- First Packaging-Free, Zero-Waste Grocery Store In US (treehugger.com)
- Preparing Environmentally-Friendly Meals (everydayhealth.com)
