earthcare connections

| while shopping |

• When possible, buy beverages in returnable or recyclable containers.

• Buy products in bulk, rather than in typically over-packaged smaller sizes, and store them in jars and other containers that you have saved. (Packaging makes up about one-third of all solid waste by weight.)

• Avoid excessively-packaged goods, and tell the retailer and manufacturer why you are doing so. Our purchasing power as consumers can influence manufacturers and merchants to be more environmentally conscious.

• Try organically grown foods. This supports farmers whose land is the most “wildlife sensitive”.

• Buy a greater variety of fruits, vegetables and grains to ensure greater food choices and a safer food supply.

• Buy or make fabric shopping bags that can be used again and again. If you have old plastic shopping bags, re-use them instead of bringing home new ones each time you go to the store.

• Purchase alkaline or rechargeable batteries for flashlights, radios, clocks, watches, calculators and toys.

• When buying clothes, footwear, binders, back packs, etc, make sure they are of good quality as they can last longer than cheaper made products, which will create waste.