EARTH'S FUTURE IS
IN YOUR SHOPPING CART
EARTH'S FUTURE IS
IN YOUR SHOPPING CART
Prepared by: Marjorie J. ClarkeMake purchases today as if tomorrow depends on it. Because it does. What we buy today will determine the quality of our life in the future.
How you shop has a powerful effect on what manufacturers produce. When you buy an item, you cast a vote for or against the environment. You can effect packaging design, recyclability, product durability, and other features which impact the environment. Being properly informed about the environmental impacts of what you buy is critical to successful environmental shopping.
By changing some habits, you can conserve energy and our precious natural resources, and lessen environmental impacts to air, water, and land of solid waste disposal.
Reduce Packaging Waste!
- Buy products in recyclable packaging and recycle them at home.
- Buy detergents, softeners, juices and other products in refills and concentrates. Using these reduces packaging and other environmental impacts.
- Thirteen percent of food cost is packaging. Save money by buying items in larger rather than single-serving sizes.
- Buy items that are not excessively packaged. Avoid produce that is prewrapped.
Bring your own bag!
Did you know that a typical grocery store gives away 20,000 bags every week? And neither plastic nor paper bags are recycled in most cities. If you take just 10 fewer bags per week, you prevent the unnecessary manufacture and disposal of 520 bags per year!
- Refuse a bag for small purchases!
- Ask the cashier not to double-bag your groceries.
- Bring your own bag! Each time you do, you save natural resources used to make and transport paper and plastic. You also save landfill spaces and reduce incineration.
- Carry a reusable tote bag! Attractive, durable bags can be used for years. Some can fit into your pocket
What Can You Do?
Reduce!
- Favor minimal packaging - don't choose excess bags, boxes and wrappers.
- Buy refills and concentrates. By adding water at home, you save money and reduce packaging waste. A ton of paper packaging uses 17 trees.
Reuse!
- Buy durable and reusable items. Avoid buying disposables.
- Purchase a lightweight cotton shopping bag and carry it with you at all times.
- Consider using cloth diapers on your baby. Diaper service is very convenient and costs no more than buying disposables. Prevent mountains of solid waste.
Recycle!
- Recycling is law in most states, so buy products in recyclable packaging and put them out for recycling!
- Where you have a choice, buy products in:
- Glass containers
- Aluminum cans or foil
- Metal cans
- Plastic bottes and jugs
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