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Have you noticed how “green” is everywhere?  Enter a grocery store, and there are “green” products next to traditional ones.  Billboards on the highways promoting “green” homes.  How do you know which products truly embrace sustainability concepts versus traditional products with a marketing makeover?

What exactly is a green product?   Generally, a green product is one that performs as good as or better than the standard product, has less of an environmental impact, and is cost competitive.

Access to information has put the consumer in the driver’s seat and for those living green, there’s power in using your purchasing dollars to support sustainable businesses.  Following are 8 ways to shop green for the environmentally conscious shopper.

1. Use GoodGuide, a comprehensive tool that provides reliable sources of information on the health, environmental, and social impacts of products.
2. Research before you buy.  For larger more infrequent items, set aside time to research your options.  Evaluate products on the full lifecycle.  How much energy was used in producing the product?   What is the energy consumption of your intended use?  How it will be discarded later? Compare products with eco awareness in mind.
3. Buy local and buy in bulk.  Supporting local businesses eliminates the need for products to be transported far distances.
4. Buy organic.  Purchasing merchandise certified with organic labeling is another way to bring eco awareness to your lifestyle.   Buying organic means less pesticides in our ground water and better health for your family.
5. Buy Fair Trade.  Buying Fair Trade helps to end abuses such as child and slave labor.
6. Buy products made from sustainable sources like bamboo.  Purchase products not tested on animals, made from renewable sources and packaged with recyclable and minimal packaging.
7. Electronic purchases: Consider buying “Pre-Owned” goods.  Purchasing previously owned products is a great way to implement the sustainability concept of recycling.  Ebay and Craig’s list are two good sources.  Also ask your electronics store about recycling options for older models.
8. Speak up!  Manufacturers are listening! Use social media to connect with business to communicate your preferences and experiences.  Consumers are the biggest drivers of sustainability changes.

With a little education and pre-planning, it’s easy to shop green- even during the most inconvenient times.  Shopping with an environment mindset is important because it can help you make better choices.  Those choices expand eco awareness within your network of friends and family, positively impact your local economy, reduce your footprint on the environment, and may actually help you save money in the process.

Julie Urlaub

Julie Urlaub is Founder & Managing Partner of Taiga Company, a sustainability consulting firm located in Houston, Texas dedicated to accelerating the integration of sustainability concepts in business. Today, Julie speaks, writes, and advises clients on a variety of issues related to the intersection between environmental stewardship, and sustainable business practices. Her writing has been featured in SocialYell’s Corporate Advice, the GreenEcomonyPost, the Business Exchange and, the ThinkGreenAlliance. Connect with Taiga Company on Facebook and Twitter. Also Find Julie on LinkedIn.