Most of us do grocery shopping so often, it has become a habit. A habit that has a huge impact on the environment, whether we realize it or not. With just a few easy changes, you can make a positive difference in the world.
• Purchase recycled aluminum foil—it uses 1/20th of the energy needed to produce regular foil.
• Look for items without extensive packaging—Most packaging materials use some petroleum-based plastic. There are several ways to cut down on the energy and waste this produces. Purchase brands that use bio-based instead of petroleum-based plastic. Recycle or reuse packaging materials you end up having to buy.
• Bring your own reusable bag—it is estimated that 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year, which equals to 1 million bags used per minute! And unfortunately, less than 1% are recycled, which means the discarded bags will fill landfills, create litter and harm marine wildlife, like whales, seals and sea turtles.
• Buy local and organic—buying local food drastically reduces the energy spent on food shipping, which leads to reducing gas emissions. Local products are fresher, come in more varieties and tend to use minimal packaging. Produce grown organically use less fossil fuel and release fewer greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Moreover, organic farming is healthier and safer for the land, farmers and consumers.
• Buy fresh goods instead of canned—not only is it healthier for you and your family, it also limits the amount of tin and energy used for can production. And if you end up purchasing canned good, recycle the cans. It dramatically reduces the amount of waste.
• Limit the purchase of plastic and paper plates, cups and utensils—it is estimated that billions of paper and plastic cups, plates and utensil are used every year. Most of it will unfortunately end up in landfills and add to the pollution. And if you have to buy this kind of product, recycle it after.
