Green Shopping Tips

Friday marks the begining of the busy holiday shopping season. After all the stuffing is eaten, Bethesda, Georgetown and the Pentagon City Mall will be so crowded, you might want a stiff drink before hitting the Metro.

Even when its not holiday season, shopping has become a major part of our lives and shopping is often considered a recreational activity.  People go shopping when they are sad in hopes that a new thing will lift their mood up, people shop when they are happy, to celebrate and to reward themselves. It is sad to see that people express their feelings by spending a certain amount on a gift to that special one. I still understand that there are things that we need to get, so I invite everybody to read these tips in order to make more informed and greener choices when buying big box items.

• Always consider sharing, renting, or leasing as an alternative to buying new equipment.
• Buy energy efficient (e.g., Energy Star) equipment and appliances.
• Consider recycled content (pre and post-consumer), remanufactured goods, and/or use of refurbishing services.
• Make sure the product is durable and will last for years to come.
• Minimized packaging – buy in bulk or in concentrated form.
• Pay attention to toxic ingredients or components.
• Look for labels and certifications, but make sure it’s for real and not just “green washing”.
• Seek vendors who offer a take-back program (“Extended Product Responsibility Program”) to ensure that equipment and products are disposed of properly.
• Buy from local and minority vendors when possible.

And most important of all, buy only when you really really need something, or don’t buy at all!

Photo Credit: Flickr CC User planetschwa