We all want to do our part in helping save the planet from plastic pollution, landfill overflow and trash-borne diseases. Here’s how you can do your part by becoming a little more eco-conscious the next time you go shopping and become a truly eco-friendly shopper:
12 Ways to Be an Eco-Friendly Shopper
Ask yourself the following three questions before you make a purchase?
Can I repair what I already own?
Is the purchase a want or a need?
Can the item I’m hoping to replace be repurposed or upcycled?
Research before you buy. Check to see if your item is made with recyclable materials or can be recycled at the end of its usefulness.
Consider quality versus cost. Sometimes paying a little more or buying something a little more durable makes it last longer, therefore it won’t be so disposable. The $30 toaster will work better than the $8 toaster and last longer. The dollar store isn’t always the best place to make informed purchases. Sometimes spending a little more will make it last a little longer.
Group your errands together. Combine what you can do with one outing. It saves time, gas and reduces traffic.
Look for products that use minimal or no packaging.
When it comes to food, buy only what you need. Roughly 30 percent of the food we purchase is thrown away before it’s eaten.
Buy used goods when you can. Secondhand thrift stores and donation centers are a great way to do that.
Share the cost of larger purchases with friends and family. For example, neighbors might choose to jointly buy a lawnmower for the neighborhood.
Shop with reusable bags when you go to the store. Ask for paper if you forget your bags.
For fashion purchases, buy a few quality pieces you can mix and match. They will last longer than the disposable clothes at many big box retailers. Learn more about online, secondhand options such as Thread-Up and eBay. When shopping in retail stores, always check labels for recycled content.
Buy local when you can to keep the money local. It reduces traffic, supports the local economy and fosters relationships.
Take your own coffee cup to the coffee shop. Invest in a reusable cup and get a discount at many coffee shops.
It’s all about retraining your brain to think before you buy and consider your environmental impact before you make the purchase. Even small changes can help you become an eco-friendly shopper and help save the planet.
Learn more about how to recycle in Logan County. When you recycle more, you save on your Pay-As-You-Throw trash costs. Find one of our 16 Recycling and Pay-As-You-Throw drop-off centers near you.