Being a Green Consumer: Five Tips for Eco-Friendly Shopping

As a consumer of commercial products, you may be wondering what the term “green” consumer means.

In this article, we will show you how to practice eco-friendly shopping with the following five tips which will help you become a savvy consumer and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.  Making conscientious “green” shopping choices can have an impact on our earth’s ecosystem and what you purchase is a tangible representation of societal values, needs and wants.

If people began purchasing “green” mattresses and bedding for example,

it would be incumbent upon the bedding industry to yield to consumer preference.  We, as consumers, have the power to change the world by making eco-friendly purchases and utilizing our consumer dollars to work for us.  One by one, the things we buy and the products we select can improve our quality of life and health, which is why it is so important to be selective and make the right choices.

What is Energy Star?  Energy Star is an international standard for energy efficient consumer products which originate in the US.  Devices and products which display the Energy Star logo generally use 20-30% less energy than what is allowable or required according to governmental standards.  Upgrading appliances, computers and televisions sets to Energy Star will be more energy-efficient and cut the cost of your utility bills.  This is just one small way of doing your part to conserve energy and is a great way to do your part to “green” your lifestyle a little bit more.

Another way of following the “green” concept is to purchase organically grown and local foods as much as possible.

By purchasing locally grown foods, it cuts down on chemical pesticides and fertilizers which result in upsetting the agricultural environment.  There is no need to transport the foods, which means it is less expensive to grow locally and helps reduce carbon emissions.

By switching to natural fibers for clothing, blankets and bedding, you are making a powerful “green” statement.  To make synthetic clothing, manufacturers must use harsh chemicals and excessive water which means introducing these toxins into the environment.  Very few people realize that using clothes organic cotton, wool, and bamboo, hemp and flax products do not require the use of harmful chemicals to manufacture, which means it is much better for the environment.

Using less energy is another way to go “green,” and because America is one of the biggest users of fossil fuels, every little bit of conservation.  To conserve energy you could pack a lunch, carpool or ride a bike to work, using public transportation, and turning off your lights, televisions, computers and other electrical appliances when not in use to reduce the amount of wasted energy.  Environmentally friendly shopping also extends to vacations and leisure activities; you can go camping, take a float trips and do other activities which do not require wasting precious natural resources.

Going “green” is a life changing choice and it not only benefits the environment, but everyone involved.  When we use less fossil fuel, fewer chemicals and waste less of our resources, and improve the quality of life we have and make the air we breathe cleaner.  If all industries are forced by consumers to adhere to a higher standard and people made conscious choices as to what types of products and services they used, the world would be a cleaner place and we could easily reduce our carbon footprint.