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Are the cleaning products you use environmentally conscious?
Hemera/ThinkstockWhat’s the most effective action you can take to cut down pollution and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle? It could be as simple as considering the environmental footprint of the items you purchase. Opting for eco-friendly products isn’t just a trend, and the economic recession hasn’t hindered this movement. A 2009 study by the nonprofit Green Seal and EnviroMedia Social Marketing revealed that nearly 80% of people continued to buy green products despite economic downturns.
Eco-conscious consumerism can sometimes require tough choices. For instance, a newer refrigerator might be more energy-efficient than your current model, but remember, a significant amount of energy is required to produce any appliance. So, is it more eco-friendly to invest in the new one, or simply keep using the old one if it’s still functional? Similarly, buying locally sourced food helps reduce transportation energy, yet growing it in a greenhouse might demand as much energy.
To make things even trickier, consumers often need to be cautious about the information given on products. Manufacturers and retailers sometimes promote unverified, vague, or outright misleading claims. This practice, known as "greenwashing," aims to make consumers believe products are environmentally friendly when they aren’t. For instance, labels like "chemical-free" and "non-toxic" are often empty terms. Cigarettes may be marketed as "natural," but they remain harmful.
The most reliable way to determine if a product is eco-friendly is by checking for third-party certifications. Look for labels from trusted organizations that assess the environmental impact of each product. For example, Green Seal, a nonprofit, conducts in-depth scientific evaluations of products' overall impact. Another trusted certifier is Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), which assesses factors like recycled content, organic ingredients, and sustainable forestry practices. Products bearing the Energy Star label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must meet stringent energy-saving criteria. Ecologo, a certification program managed by the Canadian government, is also recognized globally. To navigate these various certifications, check out Consumer Reports' GreenerChoices website.
1. Can I live without it? Every product carries an environmental cost. Reusing items you already have is often the most eco-friendly option.
2. Can I make it myself? Many cleaning products, for instance, can be homemade using common ingredients like baking soda and vinegar.
3. Can I buy it second-hand? Purchasing second-hand items, such as clothes, cars, or electronics, avoids the environmental impact of producing new ones. You can find items through yard sales or online platforms like Craigslist. The Freecycle Network is another great resource, connecting people in local communities to pass on used items for free.
On the following page, we’ll explore what truly makes a product eco-friendly.
Understanding Eco-friendly Products
Switching from sugary sodas to water is undoubtedly better for your health, but the environmental impact of bottled water is far from beneficial. The Pacific Institute, a research nonprofit, reports that the production of plastic bottles for U.S. consumption annually requires over 17 million barrels of oil and results in more than 2.5 million tons of CO2 emissions. Opting for a reusable bottle with filtered tap water might be the more environmentally-conscious option.
Determining whether a product is eco-friendly isn't always straightforward. You have to assess the product's full life cycle and the environmental cost of each stage. Consider these factors:
- Materials: What is it made from? Does it incorporate recycled elements? Are there any harmful substances present?
- Energy content: What amount of energy was involved in its production?
- Delivery: How much energy was consumed in transporting it?
- Efficiency: How much energy does it consume during use?
- Durability: How long will it last before needing replacement?
- Disposal: Will it cause pollution when discarded? Can its materials be recycled?
- Packaging: Is it over-packaged and wasteful?
Some products may appear eco-friendly in one regard but have hidden drawbacks. For example, a product made from recycled materials might still be encased in excessive packaging or require large amounts of energy to function.
Some shoppers prioritize other ethical considerations. For instance, you might check to ensure no animals were involved in product testing. Products marked as 'fair trade' guarantee that the producers and workers are not exploited by middlemen. 'Vegan' items contain no animal-derived components. You might also seek tuna caught in a way that avoids harm to dolphins or 'shade-grown' coffee, which helps protect forest ecosystems.
Regardless of which criteria matter most to you, there are some simple guidelines to follow when shopping. Consider purchasing in larger sizes to reduce packaging waste. For example, a bulk-sized box of cornflakes is far more eco-friendly than individually packaged servings. Ensure that the packaging is recyclable, and opt for reusable items like rechargeable batteries or cloth napkins. Choose durable products that will last longer to avoid the waste of single-use items. Avoid disposable products such as throwaway cameras, pens, razors, and similar items.
Whenever you go shopping, always remember to bring your own reusable bags. A simple cloth or mesh bag eliminates the need for paper or plastic bags, saving both resources and energy.
On the following page, we'll explore where you can find eco-friendly products.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy could be one of the most environmentally responsible choices you can make. Nowadays, you can get your electricity from providers who generate it using sustainable resources like wind or solar power. For more information, reach out to your local utility or visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Green Power Network.
Eco-friendly Product Providers
One of the best places to start looking for eco-friendly products is the same stores where you normally shop. Many large retail chains now carry products designed to minimize environmental harm. For example, Home Depot labels products that are eco-friendly, ranging from natural insect repellents to energy-efficient washing machines. Their website also has a section called 'Eco Options' to help you find the most sustainable choices. Lowe's similarly offers organic and environmentally conscious products, along with recycling programs for batteries and appliances.
Target is another retailer that supports sustainable shopping. They offer a variety of eco-friendly products, including reusable bags and natural beauty items. The company has teamed up with NextWorth, a trade-in service, to encourage recycling of electronics like cell phones and iPods. Best Buy also has a similar electronics recycling program.
For grocery shopping, many supermarket chains now offer organic produce and other eco-friendly items. They may also sell items in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
While green products are just one category among many offered by major retailers, there are likely local businesses dedicated entirely to sustainable shopping. For instance, the Sapona Green Building Center in Wilmington, N.C., focuses exclusively on eco-friendly products. Many towns have farmer's markets where you can purchase seasonal, locally grown items. Thrift and consignment stores recycle goods directly by reselling them.
The Internet is also a fantastic resource for finding eco-friendly products. In many cases, shopping online can actually be a more energy-efficient way to shop. Having products delivered to your door often uses less energy than driving to a store. Research from Carnegie Mellon University indicates that online shopping consumes 35% less energy and produces fewer carbon emissions than shopping in a traditional brick-and-mortar store.
Several websites focus on screening and selling eco-friendly products. BuyGreen.com evaluates each product based on its full life cycle and assigns it a rating. Ecomall.com and Greenshopper.com are other central hubs where you can shop for sustainable goods from a variety of companies. National Green Pages is a directory of approximately 3,000 companies committed to sustainable and socially responsible practices. Keep in mind that you may still need to do some research to assess the environmental impact of individual products.
A quick online search can lead you to manufacturers offering a wide variety of eco-friendly products. For example, you can explore the sustainable home products made by Seventh Generation and find local retailers that carry them. The Green Products Alliance offers links to member retailers and manufacturers who sell eco-conscious skincare products. Many specialty retailers can be found online, offering everything from natural pet supplies to organic cotton and green office products.
Choosing an eco-friendly product might seem like a small act, but when everyone takes similar steps, these collective actions can have a profound impact on preserving the health of our planet.
