Great Green Idea: Green Products: Buy Green

Buy Green

In actuality we can't buy our way into a green paradise. As consumers however, we can contribute to making the earth a greener place to live, one purchase at a time. When you buy green or make eco-friendly purchases you give back to the planet earth. Buying green does not have to expensive. Follow these green buying tips for a happier planet.

Buy Reused

You can do much to help the environment by making recycled or upcycled purchases. By way of review, recycle means processing materials that have already been used into new products in an effort to prevent waste. These materials are still useful in some way. You can find recycled goods almost everywhere. Paper, wood and plastic are regularly recycled and used everyday. When you look to buy recycled goods look for a "made from recycled materials" tags. Upcycle means to take a disposable material and turn it into something that has greater value or use. For example, you can now see the famous Capri Sun drinks made into backpacks for school age children. These backpacks are made from used Capri Sun drink pouches and kids get a kick out having a backpack made from something they drink each day.

Buy Organic Foods and Products

When you buy organic meats, cheeses, vegetables and other organic products you are contributing to the reduction of growth hormones, pesticides, chemicals and other harmful substances found in the foods we eat each day. Buying organic not only aids the environment but it also promotes a healthier you. It's like killing two birds with one stone. When you are looking for organic products to purchase, remember to look for the approved USDA organic seal. You will be pleasantly surprised to see many of your favorite products that you consume each day can be purchased organic.

Buy Green Toys

Kids don't usually care about being green conscious but as a parent you can promote green living, even with the toys you purchase for the kiddos. Whether they want trucks, dollies or racecar sets you can buy green. Wood toys make a good green option for child's play. Green toys can be purchased online or at your local retail centers. Just look for tags stating the toy is made from "green" material or plastic-free. You can also contribute to maximizing your green toys purchases by not buying toys made outside of your home country. Toys that are made outside your country must be shipped to your country. Shipping increases carbon emissions and the farther a toy travels the more carbon emissions you can expect them to have.

Buy Green Clothes

Organic clothing made from organic cotton is free of pesticides, herbicides and artificial fertilizers, in the same manner as green foods and products. By wearing these clothes you are taking a part in releasing fewer chemicals into your precious breathing air. Other green clothing you may try to look for is bamboo and hemp clothing because it comfortable and versatile. Green clothing is available online and at local retailers that sale "green."