Shoppers checklist
The following are a few quick tips to get you started. For specific products, please visit our Conscious Consumer marketplace.
Reduce, reuse - The first tip is to take care of what you already have! Avoid waste. Make things last. And don't let a little wear send you on a shopping spree.
- Buy recycled products - Recycling is great. (For comprehensive info on where to recycle in your area, visit our recycle bin) But the recycling loop isn't complete until the materials collected at curbside and drop-off sites are remanufactured into new products and purchased by consumers. The less "virgin" resources that go into products, the better.
- For paper products - Buy paper with the highest percentage of "post consumer waste" (PCW) and, when possible, paper that is "process chlorine free" (PCF).
- Buy energy efficient products - whether it's a car or a computer, choose the most energy efficient model. For electrical appliances, look for the "Energy Star" logo.
- Buy local - This supports your local economy and reduces energy consumption required by the global transport of goods. Farmers’ markets are especially wonderful resources. More info on farmers markets can be found on the Union of Concerned Scientists Green Tips website
- Avoid excess packaging - A large percentage of our municipal solid waste stream is the result of unnecessary packaging. When given a choice, select the product that is sensibly, not over-packaged. Whenever possible, reuse or recycle packaging.
- Avoid polyvinyl chloride, or “PVC” - Often labeled as “Number 3” plastic, PVC is a leading source of dioxin (a potent toxin) in the environment. The Greenpeace website has more information on PVC and dioxin.
- Look for green labels - Whenever possible, look for labels that let you know the product is certified as environmentally friendly. But be careful - don’t blindly accept a product that calls itself “green” and doesn’t offer any substantiation. To get smart on what labels mean, visit Consumers Union’s Eco-labels website.
A few tips:
- Look for the Green Seal or Scientific Certification Systems labels, or other labels offered by respected environmental organizations.
- For wood products, look for FSC certified labels.
- For seafood, look for MSC certified
- For coffee, look for fair trade, “organic" and "shade grown"
Want more?
- Green Tips - practical info from the Union of Concerned Scientists
- The Green Guide (subscription service) - product reports to help you buy wisely.
- Good Stuff? A Behind-the-Scenes Guide to the Things We Buy - from Worldwatch Institute
Learn more about the Conscious Consumer Marketplace.
If you would like for your company to be listed in the Conscious Consumer Marketplace, please email Mary Jo Snavely or call 301.891.3683 ext. 110.