Eco-Friendly Habits For Everyday Purchases

As environmental concerns continue to grow, more and more consumers are turning to eco-friendly alternatives instead of the more traditional and environmentally damaging products. You can make a similar effort to remain environmentally conscious as you shop for personal goods.

For this type of shopping, maintaining an eco-friendly perspective will help you stay away from some of the more damaging goods that most consumers buy out of habit. Here are a few types of products that environmental advocates urge consumers to avoid:

Disposable Batteries

Making an investment to buy rechargeable batteries (and an accompanying charger) can save you money in the long run and can prevent the harmful elements encased in old disposable batteries from damaging the soil. If you are currently using disposable batteries, you can recycle them after their use. Search online for your nearest recycle center.

Bottled Water

Bottled water is expensive to produce and depends on a factory process that emits many pollutants into the environment. The plastic bottle packaging of bottled water also damages the environment because a large majority of these are simply discarded after one use. To avoid this habit, you can purchase a single bottle and refill it at nearby water fountains. Also, instead of using bottled water at home, you can buy water filters that are useful through many refills.

Paper Towels

While in some cases a paper towel might be preferred, for many, a reusable rag will work just as well, if not better. If paper towels are still preferred, consider using a more environmentally conscious type, such as recycled paper towels.

Incandescent Light Bulbs

Traditional incandescent light bulbs are quickly becoming things of the past as new technology produces more efficient lighting solutions. Compact fluorescent light bulbs, while more expensive on the shelf, waste a lot less energy and can actually end up saving you more money over time.

Paper or Plastic Shopping Bags

Studies show that the average American makes at least two trips to the grocery store each week. With every trip to the store, a new collection of paper or plastic bags is discarded. Consider purchasing a more durable bag for long-term use. The hardest part about using these types of bags is remembering to bring them with you on your shopping trips, but doing so can go a long way toward reducing the amount of trash you generate.