Eco-consious shopping is on the rise and new apps and resources are making it even easier.
California State's Buy Recycled website puts you in touch directly with the manufacturers who make earth-friendly products. Whether you are a wholesale buyer, procurement officer, or an individual consumer, use this listing to find recycled-content product manufacturers who make products, or intermediate products from specific feedstock types, designed with your needs in mind! Some manufacturers can even personalize their products to your specifications.
Be an eco-consious consumer and gift-giver!
Did you know that the average American generates about 4.4 lbs of trash each day? To reduce the amount of trash you generate, follow these few easy steps.
- Use re-usable coffee mugs and shopping bags. If you forget your mug or bag at the store, buy a new reusable mug or bag and keep the extra one in your purse or car for use the next time you're out.
- Re-use as many things as possible and recycle at home, work and school.
- Give a gift that helps someone go green. Items such as energy-saving power strips, motion sensor lights, reusable stainless steel water bottles, and reusable cloth shopping bags are great sustainable gifts.
- Give the gift of your time. Volunteer for a charitable organization in lieu of a gift. Offer your friends and family an evening of babysitting or a home-cooked meal.
- Give a colleague an electronic magazine subscription.
- Give the gift of a membership to a local organization in which the recipient is interested. Plant a tree or donate a book to a local or school library in someone’s honor.
- Purchase gifts that are fair-trade, locally made or grown, or organically grown, such as coffee or chocolate.
- If you plan to purchase electronics, try looking for the most energy efficient models, which are generally designated with Energy Star labels from the U.S. EPA.
Shop local!
The shorter the distance you travel to your shopping destination or that product travels to your home; the fewer greenhouse gases are produced.
- Declare one day a week "Local Day" and shop within 10 miles of your house.
- Check out local yard/garage sales for items you need. Or buy from your neighbors by checking out listings on the free website Craigslist.
- Consider gifts that support your local community and generate minimal waste. This includes things like theater or performance tickets, charitable donations, or gift certificates.
Try Buying Second Hand First
- Online auction sites like eBay are a great way to live the mantra "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle". According to a recent study on the impacts of reuse, "Buying that pre-owned blender on eBay, saves over 400 pounds of greenhouse gases, equivalent to the pollution and energy of driving almost 400 miles."
- You might find the perfect pre-loved gift, such as a book, picture frame, or sweater while keeping usable goods out of the landfill by using a free website like Freecycle.
- Antique and thrift stores are also great places to find unique gifts.
- Re-gift! Give a past present you didn’t need or want to someone you think might appreciate it.