1) Be a Local
Buying locally helps the planet and you too. Locally produced food requires less packaging and creates far less waste. And locally produced foods are healthier for you. They tend to be most fresh, are usually grown on smaller farms with more natural methods than factory farms, and are more likely to be organically grown. Since you are buying directly from local growers, you can always ask about their methods. Track down your local Farmer’s Market and enjoy.
2) Actively Reuse
Reusing items helps the environment while saving you cash. For example, donate old books to libraries rather than throwing them out, then pick up some used “new” reads yourself. Or bring books to used bookstores and browse the shelves. In the kitchen, use sponges and dish towels in place of paper towels, and cloth napkins instead of paper. Also, try rechargeable batteries. Before you throw something away, remember, it may be valuable to someone else. Start a Goodwill bin or have a garage sale, ensuring your goods continue to be reused.
3) Buy Fair Trade Where Possible
Fair trade is defined as a market-based approach to reducing global poverty and promoting sustainability across the globe. Buying an item that is Fair Trade Certified guarantees a high quality, more environmentally friendly product, while you are also helping to support the standard of living of people in less developed countries that produce items like coffee, tea, cocoa, fruits, nuts, other foods, crafts and clothing. Start with your daily cup of coffee, making sure your dollar speaks in support of fair trade.
4) Don’t Just Recycle, Precycle
Most earth-friendly households are recycling their glass, paper and plastic in special garbage bins. If you have more than one child of the same gender, you probably also recycle clothing. If not, do share clothes in good condition that your child has outgrown, either with people you know, or by donating them. Along with recycling, learn to precycle, which means planning ahead so there is less to recycle later, like using washable picnicware rather than disposables, buying in bulk, and taking your own cloth bags when grocery shopping.
5) Think Green for Gifts
Between the holidays, birthdays, other occasions, you may give gifts often. This is a great time to think green. Firstly, be sure someone actually needs the gift you’re buying; practical items are appreciated. Share your green spirit with others by treating them to fair trade coffee, tea and chocolate, hemp or bamboo dish or hand towels, or a gift certificate to an organic produce delivery. When wrapping, swap the decorative paper for canvas bags that can be used again for a bonus gift, or use the funny paper section of the news for a fun, whimsical wrap.
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