Shopping green means different things to different people, depending what they want from life. It can be organically grown, healthy foods for their families, or products made with sustainable, recyclable materials that will not deplete the Earth of its natural resources & is easily replenished. Fair trade is a social movement that promotes standards of sustainability practices empowering producers in developing nations. Fair trade supports fair prices, fair labor conditions, community development & environmental sustainability.

Various sustainable materials include bamboo, a fast-growing grass, (yes, grass) used to make fabrics, flooring, furniture & other products. Jute another plant fiber that can be woven into a strong thread or twine is used to create cloth & woven into carpets & rugs. Hemp is a fast-growing plant with strong fibers used to create cloth for bags & clothing. Early drafts of the American Constitution were written on hemp paper. Grown organically, its’ oils are used for cosmetic products & seeds in food products. There are many types of animal wools such as alpaca fibers or merino wool used in clothing.

Energy efficient products are designed to consume less energy without sacrificing performance, reducing long-term environmental impacts. These products include appliances with an Energy Star Rating & compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). These efficient bulbs cost a bit more than old-style incandescent bulbs, but they last longer, use far less electricity, will save you money in the long run & reduce greenhouse gases.

When considering the impact products you purchase & consume have on your environment, try considering their complete lifecycle. This includes;
1) Source Material: What is the product made from?
2) Manufacturing: How is it manufactured?
3) Usage, How is it used & what’s its effect on the environment?
4) Disposal: How is it disposed of & what’s the environmental impact?

When you apply these buy green standards in a cradle to grave approach to your purchases, you will gain a clearer look at a products true overall cost.

Online shopping can offer many benefits to your environment, including energy saved by not driving around searching for what you need & less time stuck in traffic. By shopping from home you can look at more sources & take the time to learn about the company you are purchasing from. With today’s rising prices & stress levels, anything that cuts cost & lessens hassles is a welcome prospect. OK. Shopping on line allows you to easily ship items to friends & family direct from the store without having to repackage them, drive to the post office or a shipping company for overnight delivery.

Quite often the on line selections are better making it easier to find the exact items you want in a matter of seconds. Right. With a click of the mouse you see other styles, colors & sizes that may not actually be on the racks at your local store due to low inventories & learn about alternatives you might not have considered before.

Online stores are open 24 hours. You can shop anytime from anywhere, allowing you to do your shopping after the kids go to bed, during your lunch hour, first thing in the morning or between classes.

Shopping green can be an enjoyable & rewarding way to improve your personal environment, globally & locally. Give it a attempt & see how you can affect your world.