Tips for Greener Shopping

Shop Green, Live Happy

Buying green means shopping with the environment in your mind and really thinking about each thing you are putting into your cart as you go up and down the aisles. Many shoppers do not do this and it is hurting not only the environment, but their own wallets. Because of this, I have compiled a list of five main tips to keep in mind at your next trip to the grocery store:

1. Buy Durable- Be sure to buy products that are going to last you a long time. Rather than having to constantly go back out to the store to purchase small items. Right now, these products are more expensive but in the long run they will save you money. Some good examples include reusable cups rather than paper or plastic and rechargeable batteries rather than disposable. 

2. Buy Used- Used products can be just as good as new products, and they're almost always significantly cheaper. These used products are not wasting packaging like newer products as well. Take a day to travel around thrift shops and flea markets; you never know what amazing steals you'll find. 

3. Buy Local- When it comes to produce purchases, try to buy from local farmers. In doing so, you can guarantee that the food you are eating is not treated with chemicals and is fresher overall. Supporting local farms and giving them business will help spur your local economy. Rather than wasting the packaging and energy that large scale factory farms must use to ship their produce, you are purchasing right from the source. 

4. Buy Online- There are a number of green online retailers out there. You are saving the energy emissions from travelling to the mall or store by ordering products online. In addition, you can be sure that the vendor you are purchasing from is a reputable source that you can trust is eco-friendly. 

5. Don't Buy- The best tip I can give is don't buy at all. There are thousands of DIY projects out there to recycle and upcycle old belongings into useful objects to use around the house. Things that you may have normally thrown away or sold in a yard sale can be turned into something brand new. 

Everybody can be a "green" shopper if they follow these simple tasks and put a little more thought into their shopping trips. So next time you're planning on going to the store, make sure it's a necessary trip