Each and every once of us has the potential to inspire, to change, and to build a better life. Thinking about how and what you buy is one way of keeping people and the earth’s well-being at the top of your mind. Let the following list inspire you to take a step forward in adopting responsible shopping practices.
1.
Be socially aware. Have you ever asked yourself, “Why should I care?” More often than not, the choices we make impact our society and environment at large in addition to our own lives. It’s important to recognize that the choices we make in spending our money influence the world around us. Take a little time to learn about the origins of a food product you regularly eat, or the business practices of a store you frequently shop at. You’ll find that the insight gained will provide a greater perspective that influences your buying choices.
2.
Get involved locally. Most goods in our stores travel hundreds, or even thousands, of miles before being placed on supermarket shelves. The environmental costs of transportation via automobiles or airplanes can be lessened by buying locally grown food and locally produced goods whenever possible. Independent sellers create healthy, vibrant communities through their local involvement. Recognize that you are part of a community, and that your actions influence those around you. Take part in cultivating, strengthening, and maintaining your community by investing your money locally.
3.
Buy produce directly. Buying from your local grocer,
farmer’s market, or community-supported agriculture gives greater profit and more autonomy to the growers and their community. It also offers a sense of security knowing where, how, and by whom your food comes from. In addition, it helps inspire the production of better quality goods and services.
4.
Buy Fair Trade products. Fair Trade certification guarantees that farmers use eco-friendly practices and receive a fair price for their product. The result is responsibly grown products that are healthy for you, for farmers and for the world we live in. Fair Trade practices promote environmental conservation, economic viability, and sustainable livelihood for producers.
5.
Buy sweatshop-free clothing. Shop with a conscience by purchasing goods made with a commitment to social and economic responsibility, progress, and justice. Buying clothing made with an ethical platform – organic fabric, humane factories, fair trade – is just one little step you can take to be socially responsible.
6.
Choose products free of animal testing. Purchasing products that are labeled “cruelty-free” and “not tested on animals” is one way we can help shoulder the responsibility for the ethical treatment of animals. Search for alternatives to animal-tested products. We all have the freedom to choose and the power to change.
7.
Buy sustainable food. Next time you visit the market, think about what you purchase and how it affects not only your health but also the environment. Did you know that reducing your red meat and dairy intake will help lower the greenhouse gas emissions associated with raising animals for feed? Choose USDA “Certified Organic” foods free of synthetic pesticides, growth hormones, or antibiotics. Doing so will not only improve your health but also the overall health of the environment around you.
8.
Go green during the holidays. During the holidays (namely Christmas and
Valentine’s Day), yards of wrapping paper and piles of boxes are used and disposed of, creating a huge amount of waste. This year, wrap your gifts with newspaper or
reusable gift boxes. Taking the effort to conserve, recycle, and reuse paper products is a huge step towards protecting the environment.
9.
Buy in bulk. Next time you go to the grocery store, try to plan ahead by making a list of food products needed for the week. Buy all non-perishables, slow-perishables, and fast-ingestibles in bulk. Buying in bulk helps reduce the environmental damage and costs of packaging. Another great way to save on packaging is to buy straight from the bulk bins with reusable bags.
10.
BYOB. Bring your own
reusable bag when you go shopping, so you don’t have to choose between paper or
plastic, both of which are harmful to the environment. On your next visit to grab groceries, bring your own bag to carry groceries, and decline a bag if your purchase is small.
~ Christine Chan
