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Ethical Consumption, Talk about the good work of consumers who make choices based on the sustainability of supply chains, along with the companies that respond to these ethical demands. | 26190 Followers  |
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How the Ethical Consumer Saves Money
Ruchira Shah | Thursday 19th February 2009
 I'm often surprised when I hear claims from people that being environmental is expensive. I mean, I understand the point that organic fruit and vegetables cost more than conventionally grown produce, or that eco-products are often more expensive. But on balance, I think that living sustainably has caused me to save more money.So today I thought I'd give you some tips for how to save your money, and still be environmentally conscious. 1) Ditch the paper towels in favor of washable rags. You can probably make rags out of old tee-shirts you have lying around the house, so this doesn't even have to cost money. If you don't want to use old tee-shirts, a one time investment in a few cloths can last you several years. 2) Wash and re-use your Ziploc bags. One day, I was washing out my Ziploc bag in the office kitchen, and a co-worker looked at me and exclaimed, "Oh, Oprah does that!" Now I don't know that Oprah really re-washes her Ziploc bags, but hey, that would be pretty cool, wouldn't it? So wash out your baggies, and pretend to be Oprah. 3) Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying the disposable bottles. And then fill your bottle at a public fountain. 4) Go no 'poo! I've ditched my shampoo, and just use bar soap on my hair. Others have tried various methods including vinegar and baking soda. 5) Use other products more sparingly. A tiny blob of toothpaste will go very far. 6) Use old yogurt containers and the like as storage containers instead of buying tupperware. 7) Instead of buying books, or renting DVDs, use your local public library. And walk, bike, or take PT to get there. 8) Buy used and join Freecycle. 9) Grow your own fruits and vegetables. You can grow a few herbs on a balcony, and most cities now have places for community plots so even us urbanites can grow our own food. 10) Go TP-free. You know you want to .... ;) |
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Wendy G 31 March 2009 Or buy good shampoo that you don't have to use a lot of. One container of high quality vegan shampoo just lasted me and my mother literally a year.
I wouldn't drink public water if you put a gun to my head. No thanks! We have a steam distiller going on 15 years of age and it works perfectly. My local library also has free downloads of music and audiobooks online. Going online is less of a carbon footprint. If you are disabled, many libraries will allow you to sign up for a program in which the books are mailed to you. I avoid plastic, go glass (even if mason jars) and save yourself the worry of chemicals leakage and the energy used to make the plastic. Glass is easily recyclable and much more easier to use, no stains from foods. Buy square or oblong containers if you wish to use them in the fridge, better use of space, but I also have round containers. My advice in lieu of tp free is to flush only when necessary, or buy a dual flush system, one button for liquids, one button for solids. There is no reason you must flush after simply adding more "water" to the bowl. As far as urban gardening, I definitely recommend an Earth Box or Square foot gardening. You can grow more than just herbs. earthbox.com squarefootgardening.com |
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Ruchira Shah 19 February 2009 No shampoo is extreme? Perhaps ... but, don't you think no-TP is more extreme?! ;)
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Kevin Long 19 February 2009 Good list except don't you think the "No Poo" is a bit extreme?
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