Sustainable Shopping Tips
Like a lot of people, you’re probably gearing up for some major shopping now in the coming festive season. And why not! But give a thought to minimizing your environmental impact as you shop this year by making use of these tips for sustainable shopping.
Shop Local – This is a good idea for several reasons: it gives a boost to the local economy and helps and encourages local craftsmen. Secondly, if you purchase stuff that is grown or made locally there is less resource expenditure on transportation, preservation, packaging and so on. And local handicrafts and artifacts may be greatly appreciated by the receiver as well.
Shop Seasonal – If its flowers or fruit that you want to gift, pick seasonal produce rather than exotic stuff that is either flown in from distant locales or is artificially grown and artificially ripened.
Buy Organic – Look for genuinely organic stuff that is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, toxic pesticides, herbicides and similar poisons. This not only prevents the earth from being further polluted, it also prevents toxins and possible carcinogens from entering our own systems. So whether it is edible produce or clothing that you’re thinking of buying, even soaps, shampoos and other items of personal hygiene; organic is the way to go!
Minimize packaging – Packaging may be colorful and attractive and may add substance to a gift, but think about the fact that all packaging is a waste. The more layers of packaging there are, the more items are added to the land fill. So pick items that have fewer layers of packaging and look for the type of packaging that can actually be recycled. For gift wrapping don’t use those decorative plastic sheets, even though they are resistant to splitting and tearing.
Pick sustainable products and manufacturers – Consider gifts such as potted plants. Consider gifting your services or your time – for instance some babysitting for a harried new mom may be highly appreciated.
Also reward manufacturers and businesses who have sound and sustainable business practices and are known to be ethical, by buying their products. Picking their products over competitors is a simple way of rewarding and encouraging such manufacturers.
When you shop sustainable, you not only do something that is good for the environment, you also have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve done your bit. And who knows – it may lessen some of the guilt that splurging often brings with it!
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