You know the feeling: you go to the grocery store, see all the plastic bags, and immediately feel guilty about every item you put in your cart. You probably don’t even use half of it before it’s time to toss it out again! The good news is that sustainable shopping practices are becoming more and more common, making it easier to find eco-friendly businesses that offer great products, so that you can continue saving money on food while doing your part to help the environment. Here are some tips on how to shop sustainably.
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Did you know that each year Americans discard approximately 100 billion disposable, plastic water bottles? Our current shopping patterns are unsustainable, but it doesn’t have to be like that! If we make some minor changes in our shopping behaviors, we can work to protect our natural resources, choose ethical and sustainable options, and save money, too!
I am showing you sustainable shopping tips to help you make a daily impact for good.
This post is all about simple, sustainable shopping.
Sustainably Yours: A Guide to Environment-Friendly Shopping
We consume things we don’t need, often for no other reason than convenience. One way to shop more responsibly is to think about what you already have before buying something new—and if you can, reuse something instead of replacing it.
Sustainable Shopping Begins with Swaps!
- Plastic containers – Stainless steel or glass
- Paper napkins – Cloth napkins
- Paper towels – Designated cloth towels
- Plastic cutlery and straws – Bring your own set
- Foods in plastic packaging – E.g., yogurt and snacks
- Plastic bags – Silicone bags
- Feminine products – Cups and/or cardboard applicator tampons
- Plastic wrap – Beeswax wraps
- Personalized packaged vitamins – Eat nutritious food
- Food Delivery Services – Bring your meals
- Soaps, shampoos, deodorants, etc. – Seek out alternatives in sustainable packaging (They are generally better for your body, too!)
The Key to Shopping Sustainably
A minimalist mindset is key to buying only what you need and living in a way that minimizes waste and positively impacts our planet.
Aim for a less is more mentality when shopping—it will force you to give your purchases extra thought and ensure you’re getting everything you need.
Importantly, minimalism isn’t just about products; it’s also about reducing unnecessary spending habits.
Avoid shopping spontaneously. Instead, take a few days to consider the purchase before you buy. This usually leads to a change in plans altogether. It also helps you determine your “needs” from your “wants.”
Pro-tip: Borrow first, if you can.
Sustainable Shopping = Second-Hand Shopping
Buying second-hand is not only fun and creative, but it’s also a very green practice, as you can prevent old items from ending up in landfills.
Plus, you might score unique and interesting pieces. Likewise, buying antiques can be an excellent way to go green; most of them are made with natural materials like wood or leather.
Antique furniture tends to be much higher quality than many newer pieces you see in stores today. It was made to last. Would you rather have beautiful, solid wood furniture or something made of manufactured wood that needs to be assembled?
Antiquing is so fun! Plan a day trip to a nearby town and visit all the thrift and antique stores you can find. Seriously, it will feel like a mini-vacation!
Shop Sustainably by Buying Quality Items
We can’t stress enough how important it is to buy long-lasting products. Buying sustainable, quality items (instead of cheap, disposable items) means you’ll spend less money in the long run and won’t be left with piles of trash filling up landfills.
This is essential when buying clothing! Fast fashion has a huge and detrimental effect on the environment and climate change. Finding better brands that use sustainable practices when farming and producing textiles is key.
Purchasing nicer antique furniture pieces within your budget is a great way to invest your money. You can get solid wood and handmade designs that will hold their value and last a lifetime. Generally, these items cost less than new furniture and aren’t going to break down in a year or cause health concerns like particle board furniture.
Opting for recycled fabrics, repairing your shoes and other leather goods before replacing them, and supporting sustainable businesses are ways to make lasting changes.
Also, you’ll buy fewer things since high-quality products tend to last longer and require fewer repairs.
I am raving over this bakeware by Caraway. I love the smaller size because it is perfect for my roasted veggies! Clean-up is nearly non-existent because just water rinses off the baked-on grease. They are amazing and non-toxic! From now on, I will only opt for sustainable products. They may be more expensive initially, but you won’t need to waste money replacing them.
Shop Zero-Waste Stores
A new trend in retail, zero-waste stores are popping up across the globe. However, finding one is easy if you live in a major metropolitan area. If you can’t find one in your local community, consider ordering zero-waste products from an online store like Zero Waste Store.
Not all stores offer zero-waste grocery shopping, but there are enough options to make sustainable shopping easy. If you want to shop local and sustainable, check out your local farmers’ market or neighborhood grocery store, a zero-waste store like The Green Grocer in San Francisco.
In addition, if you’re looking for larger retailers that sell eco-friendly products, look no further than online shops like Etsy. There, you can find everything from jewelry made with recycled skateboards to clothing made with organic cotton.
How to Shop Sustainably Online
Shopping online with the environment in mind is doable! There are healthier ways that we can do this. First, when you are shopping, have a list in mind.
Try to place a larger order and get as many items on your list from one place. This will reduce the costs of logistics and shipping supply waste.
Shop small businesses like Etsy shops and contact the merchant before you place your order. You can request no plastic in the shipment, and most people are happy to accommodate.
Seek out alternatives to Target and Amazon. I buy most of our bulk groceries from Sun Organic Farm. They have almost everything on my list, and I order every six months. By ordering it all at once, I save time and shipping, and I have saved so much money!
Saving money by shopping responsibly isn’t as hard as you might think.
Support Eco-friendly Businesses
Since you want to be more eco-conscious, there are a few things to look for when shopping to ensure your money isn’t being used against your principles.
First, check out businesses certified by The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Certified Fair Trade Organizations. Next, check product green rating with the app ThinkDirty and guides on the Environmental Working Group.
These Clothing Businesses are Making a Difference
Buy Organic Products for Sustainable Shopping Success
From cotton to the food we eat, when you buy organically farmed products, you support people committed to changing conventional farming.
Choosing organic creates a bigger demand for healthy products made by regenerative farms. Of course, buying organic food is good for you, but it is much more than avoiding pesticides.
Why Choose Organic Cotton, Linen, and Bamboo:
- Ethical treatment of workers
- Fewer chemicals in the environment
- Organic Farming Saves a lot of Water
- Less energy to produce
- No synthetic fibers end up in the environment.
Just remember that we vote for the kind of world we wish to live in every time we swipe our cards! Work on your sustainable development goals by making smarter, healthier shopping decisions.
This post was all about simplified, sustainable shopping.
