Why Watch What You Buy?
By watching what we purchase we can make a huge impact on the environment, wildlife and on our own families health. Below are some tips on how you can really help make a difference.
1. Before You Buy! Ask yourself if you really need it. Do you have something else you could reuse or recycle? For example; you could make notepads from the blank side of used paper!
2. Remember Recycled! Try to buy recycled items – especially recycled paper and glass. Try www.naturalcollections.com, www.recycledproducts.org.uk or www.re-markable.com for a good selection!
3. The Problem with Plastic! Avoid unnecessary plastic items especially PVC - plastic isn’t biodegradable and can release hazardous chemicals when burnt. PVC has also been linked to toxic carcinogenic chemicals.
4. Excessive Packaging! Many items are sold with excessive packaging – let your retailer know how you feel about this by refusing to take excessive packaging with you and by refusing to take plastic bags.
5. A Question of Sustainability! When buying wood products, ensure it is sustainably harvested by purchasing items carrying the FSC logo (try B&Q and IKEA for a good range ). Be cautious about toiletries containing rosewood, sandlewood, musk & eaglewood essence oil (they’re all from endangered species).
6. Fairtrade! The Fairtrade Foundation exists to ensure a better deal for disadvantaged third world producers (www.fairtrade.org.uk) and by purchasing Fairtrade items you are helping these producers set up sustainable businesses which supports local communities! Fairtrade items are available from Oxfam and many supermarkets.
7. Organics! Purchasing organics will help protect your family from the chemical residues found in various food products. Organic items are grown without petrochemical fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides and are GM free. Most supermarkets do an organic range for you to choose from or visit the Farmers Market in Guildford on the first Tuesday of every month!
8. DIY & Home Products! Some DIY products contain chemicals which are hazardous to the environment and to your health so think carefully before you buy. Avoid solvent based paints, varnishes and glues – water based are much better. When buying strong cleaning agents, avoid chlorine bleach.
9. Energy Matters! Save energy by buying energy saving lightbulbs, plugs and lamps, as well as energy efficient white goods and electrical equipment (try www.diy.com and www.naturalcollection.com). Battery production and disposal can be damaging to the environment so please ensure you buy rechargeable batteries!
10. In your garden! It is particularly important to avoid peat products – peat is an internationally rare and declining habitat of high conservation importance, many species depend upon it. There are plenty of peat free alternatives. Avoid using weed killers and insect treatments that contain pesticides and toxic chemicals (especially around children and pregnant women).