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Environmental Shopping

Introduction

The way we shop is a major factor in the solid waste crisis. Food, clothing, toiletries, household necessities, appliances, and luxury items all have an environmental past, present, and future. From the oilfield, farm, factory, market, and, finally, to the landfill, energy is wasted, pollutants are released, and solid waste is generated at every stage in an item's production, use, and disposal.(4) Just as individuals contribute to the solid waste problem, they can also be a part of the solution. Hoosiers can use the "dollar-ballot" to choose products which cause minimal impact to the environment.

Environmental Shopping uses the four "R" approach (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, React) in addressing the issues of reducing waste at its source, reusing and recycling products, recovering a portion of organic food wastes through composting, and reacting (Reject & Respond) to products, retailers, manufacturers, and politicians when environmental concerns arise.

Environmentally Friendly Consuming: Purchases Are Like Votes

Each year, 160 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) is generated. Hoosiers discard 15,000 tons of refuse each day, more than 4% of the national total. Not only are disposal costs rising, but more importantly, the nation is rapidly running out of landfill space.(2)

The way we shop is a major factor in the solid waste crisis. The purchases that consumers make can either contribute to the environmental problems of pollution and solid waste, or they can be a positive vote to improve the environment. Consumers can become environmental shoppers by practicing the four "R's": Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and React.

Reduce

Reduce is the first "R" in Environmental Shopping. Reduction is the practice of evaluating and decreasing consumption of products, especially single-use items, disposables, and over-packaged products.(2) Source reduction can be accomplished by purchasing fewer products, products with less packaging, and by extending the useful life of products.

Recycle

The third "R" of Environmental Shopping is Recycle. It is a materials recovery process involving the collecting, processing, re-manufacturing, and marketing of these materials in their original or new form.(3) The first recycling responsibility as an environmental shopper is to recycle what is purchased. The second recycling responsibility for environmental shoppers is to purchase products and packaging that use recycled materials. Consumer purchases of such items are necessary to sustain the markets for recycled materials.

React

The fourth "R" of Environmental Shopping is React. Reaction takes two approaches. One approach involves rejecting products that do not meet the consumer's environmental standards. The second approach is responding to retailers and manufacturers about their products and to politicians about their policies.

Wrapping It Up: Evaluating Packaging

Packaging is often cited as one of the major contributors to the solid waste dilemma. More than 80%, perhaps as high as 85%, of all packaging is destined for the landfill, where it then accounts for almost one-third of municipal waste.(3) Packaging is clearly needed for some products and provides several useful benefits. For example, packaging protects the consumer by carrying detailed instructions for product use, as well as providing the consumer with tamper-evident and child-resistant systems. Packaging also may protect the seller, and ultimately the consumer, if it makes shoplifting more difficult. In addition to these benefits, packaging also protects the products from harm during transportation and display.(3) Reducing the amount of packaging purchased is one way that consumers can help to solve the solid waste problem. Consumers might evaluate packaging using several criteria. The Coalition of Northeastern Governors has developed the following Preferred Packaging Guidelines:(3)

No Packaging: some products don't need a package.
Minimal Packaging: packaging that performs its various functions using the minimum amount of material.
Consumable, Returnable, Refillable, and Reusable Packaging:consumable packaging is eliminated in the process of using the product; returnable containers can be returned to the industry for redistribution and reuse; refillable and reusable packaging can be reused, again and again, for the same or a different purpose.
Recyclable Packaging: packaging that is capable of being recycled. The packaging materials could be reprocessed and used to make the same or a new product or package. However, unless the consumer can locate a recycling facility that accepts this type of recyclable packaging, it is not recyclable to that particular consumer.
Recycled Packaging: packaging that is made from recycled materials. There are no official standards yet to defining the term recycled. Manufacturers who use the term recycled may be buying recycled materials from community recycling centers (post-consumer waste) or they may be using leftover waste materials from manufacturing processes.
Avoid Excess Packaging: over-packaged items should be avoided. Excessively packaged products may cost the consumer more at purchase and tend to cost more at disposal.(2)Many convenience items are examples of excess packaging.

Throwing It All Away: Evaluating Disposables

We live in a society that offers consumers many choices. What we select is influenced by a number of factors. Consumers often want to obtain the best "value" for the money spent. While value can take on a number of meanings for different consumers, increasingly, consumers are including the environmental impact of a product as one aspect of their definition of value.(5)

There are often trade-offs involved in gaining some aspect of value; it often means giving up some other aspect. In particular, selecting the environmental choice often causes conflict with and can mean the sacrifice of convenience.

One way the American desire for convenience is obvious is through our great use of disposable or throw-away products. One reason disposables are more attractive to consumers than their reusable alternatives is because of their lower price. However, the cost of the disposable item usually does not include the cost of solid waste collection and disposal costs. Disposables are also often preferred by consumers because, they insist, the disposables are more convenient in that they save time.(5)

Making disposable items, particularly plastic items, biodegradable has been proposed as one way consumers can continue to use disposable items without contributing to the solid waste problem. A biodegradable item is one that will decompose due to bacterial action. In plastics, certain additives may start the process and other additives may increase its rate. Other products, such as paper, claim to be biodegradable regardless of the manufacturing process.(5)

There are a number of unanswered questions about the use of the term biodegradable and whether biodegradable products are actually a solution or a problem. Are oxygen and water required before biodegradable materials will decompose? What chemicals may be released in the degradation process? What impact do additives have on the recyclability of biodegradable plastics?

Individual consumers can cast a vote to help solve the disposables problem. A simple solution would be to look for durable items that can be economically repaired, refilled, reused, or recycled before buying a disposable alternative. In order for this to be effective, however, care must be taken to avoid the trap of thinking of durables as disposables. This can be avoided by following the use and care instructions, by repairing the durable good if it should stop working, and by attempting to find someone else who could find the durable good useful after the original consumer no longer has a need for it.(4)

Culprit or Cure: Evaluating Plastics

Plastic provides several benefits. For instance, it can replace heavier and thicker materials such as glass, thus saving on transportation costs and reducing breakage. Also, plastic lends itself to tamper-resistant packaging for food and medicine. And finally, plastic may preserve freshness better than other materials.(5)

However, plastics can present certain problems to the environment and public health through both production and disposal. The manufacturing of plastic products requires toxic materials and large quantities of petroleum, a nonrenewable resource. There may also be contamination of the air and water from toxic gases and wastes during the manufacturing process.(5)

Disposal of plastics can create problems as well. According to some environmentalists, burning plastics can produce toxic gases and solid wastes containing heavy metals and toxic metals. According to the EPA, however, modern waste-to-energy plants minimize hazardous emissions, and do not produce ash classified as a hazardous waste. Another problem with plastic disposal is that plastic generally does not decompose in modern landfills.(6)

In addition, the recycling of plastics has proven to be more difficult than recycling glass, aluminum, and newspaper. Most recycling of plastic today involves separating the plastics according to the type of resin. Currently, only two of the more than 40 types of plastics are being recycled in any quantity. They are polyethylene terepthalate (PETE-coded 1), used in many soda bottles, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE-coded 2), which is often used in milk jugs and detergent containers.(5)

One of the recent controversies concerning plastic is it's degradability, which is defined as the ability of materials to "break down" by bacterial (biodegradable) or ultraviolet (photodegradable) action(7). There are a number of unanswered questions about degradable plastics. Since some plastics contain additives such as heavy metals to either start or speed up degradation, would these prove hazardous if released during the biodegradation process? Also, would these additives limit their recyclability? The goal of degradation is to break down the plastics into carbon dioxide and water. However, some of the so-called degradable plastics may, instead, simply break down into tiny pieces. Are there threats to wildlife which mistake the smaller pieces of plastic as a food source and ingest them?(5)

There are three steps an environmental shopper can take in dealing with items made with plastic. First, the consumer can reduce the amount of plastic packaging bought. Second, they can support efforts to recycle plastics by participating in community-sponsored recycling programs. And third, consumers can help build markets for recycled plastics by purchasing products or packaging made from recycled plastics.(5)

Home Safe: Household Hazardous Waste

Unusable or unwanted household chemicals are considered to be household hazardous waste when they pose a threat, during the disposal process, to people or the environment. Any of these substances when used, stored, handled, or disposed of improperly can be considered as hazardous.(8) It is estimated that the average American house holds three to ten gallons of hazardous chemicals in the kitchen, basement, or garage.(9)

In order to reduce the amounts and types of these products that are purchased, environmental shoppers need to be aware of what makes a product hazardous, labeling terminology, and safer alternative products.

There are three specific categories that include most household hazardous wastes:(8)

Toxic wastes: those that are poisonous or can be harmful or fatal if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. These wastes include antifreeze, pesticides, motor oil, and spot removers.
Corrosive wastes: those that are acidic or alkaline and can burn or corrode other materials. These wastes include drain, oven, and toilet-bowl cleaners; battery acids; and concrete cleaners.
Flammable wastes: those that easily catch fire. These wastes include paint thinner; degreasing and cleaning solvents; aerosol containers; gasoline; and fuel oils.

Several other categories include products which are: explosive (when exposed to heat, shock, or pressure), caustic (can burn living tissue on contact), and irritants (can cause irritation, inflammation, and soreness).(10)

Signal words used in labeling have different definitions and degrees of meaning, depending on the type of product.(11) For example, in labeling on pesticides Danger means highly toxic; Warning means moderately toxic; and Caution means slightly toxic.(12) In labeling on household products Poison means highly toxic; Danger means extremely flammable, or corrosive, or highly "toxic"; and Warning or Caution means less toxic. Before buying a product, consumers should first read the label. Then, using the signal words, they should purchase the least hazardous product required for their specific consumer need.

Consumers can decrease the household hazardous waste problem by following the four "R's" of environmental shopping. They can reduce their use and purchase of these products and buy only the amount of product needed, or borrow it from a friend. Next, consumers can support reuse and recycling of these products and dispose of any leftover household hazardous chemicals properly. And finally, consumers can exercise the power of the "dollar ballot" by reacting. They can reject toxic products and purchase safer alternatives. They can also respond as an environmental shopper by exerting their influence on corporate and public policy by voicing their concerns about products, retailers, and manufacturers which add to environmental pollution.

Let It Rot: Composting Food Wastes

Discarded food from our kitchens adds up to about 100 pounds of waste per person, per year. Composting these organic wastes represents an environmentally sound and economically feasible management strategy for reducing waste at its source.(13) Composting is a means of "organic" waste resource recovery and is a component of an integrated waste management system. Composting can be defined as the biological decomposition of organic matter.3 It occurs as a natural biodegradation process of a mixture of organic materials, mainly yard, garden, and kitchen residues, and microorganisms. Over time, this mixture yields decayed organic matter which can be used as a fertilizer and soil conditioner.(14)

Kitchen compost can be made from vegetable or fruit scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, egg shells, and nut shells. Meat scraps, bones, dairy products, oils, and fats are wastes that are not recommended for composting because they can attract animal pests and cause odors.(15)

For a successful composting project to occur, three conditions must be met: a commitment to properly maintain the compost, a workable system for producing the compost, and a use for the finished product.

Here are the general directions for composting either kitchen or a combination of kitchen and yard wastes:

Choose a system such as a pile, bin, or worm box.
Spread soil or "already done" compost to cover the pile: this contains the microorganisms and soil animals.
Place chopped wastes (for quicker compost) in system.
Adjust pile's moisture- add sawdust or water until damp to the touch.
Allow pile to bake- the desired temperature is 90° to 140°F.
Stir compost as it bakes to speed up the process.
If the pile settles from original height, compost is baking properly.
If pile is turned weekly, it should be ready in one to two months. When completed, compost should have an earthy smell and look like dark crumbly soil mixed with organic matter.

The proper maintenance of the composting system is important. Every effort should be made to discourage pests and eliminate odors.(3)

Composting at home saves solid waste transportation and disposal costs and provides an environmentally sound way to manage wastes. Composting offers consumers an opportunity to contribute to, benefit from, and be a part of the solid waste solution.

Shopping Green: Evaluating Products

Shopping green is a term that can have many definitions. A "green " product may be environmentally sound but wrapped in excessive packaging or packaging that can't be recycled. Another "green" product may be packaged to meet all the standards for minimum and recyclable packaging, but the product is environmentally harmful. To add to the confusion, environmentally sound products may be produced by companies with poor environmental records.(1)

Editor's Note: Please read Greenhome's own shipping policy on these matters.

Consumers can play an important role in solving the environmental problems of pollution and solid waste disposal by purchasing products that reflect their environmental values.(16)

The most complete way to evaluate a product's "greenness" is to use the life cycle or "cradle to grave" approach. In this approach, the environmental impact of the product at each of its stages is evaluated: from resource, to manufacture, to distribution, to use, and to final disposal (and perhaps back to resource). However, the facts needed to make such comparisons are often either not available, or they may conflict with other "facts".(5)

The following set of environmentally sound criteria can be used as a guide by environmental shoppers to assist them in their purchasing decisions:(5)

The product does not endanger the health of people or animals.
The product does not cause damage to the environment during manufacture, use, or disposal.
The product does not consume a disproportionate amount of energy and other resources during manufacture, use, or disposal.
The product does not cause unnecessary waste due to excessive packaging or to a short useful life.
The product does not involve cruelty to animals.
The product does not use materials derived from threatened species and environments.
The product does not trade price, quality, nutrition, or convenience for environmental quality.

The "E-factor" (or the "environmental-factor") guidelines may also be used by the consumer to aid in making purchasing decisions:(17)

Buy less. Ask if the purchase is really needed.
Avoid excessively packaged or wrapped products; look for no packaging or minimal packaging; buy economy-sized items or in bulk.
Look for items containing the highest content possible of recycled materials.
Look for products made from, and packaged in, materials that are recyclable at local recycling facilities.
Look for natural and non-toxic alternatives to household cleaners and other supplies.
Choose simple products containing the least amount of bleaches, dyes, and fragrances.
Look for energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
Look beyond the products to the company that makes them. Support those with good environmental records.

Unfortunately, no product is perfectly green. All purchases have some environmental impact. The difficult task for the consumer is to choose a product that has the least environmental impact while sorting out the alternatives that seem feasible.

Consumer's Environmental Influence: Your Voice in the Marketplace

The fourth "R" of environmental shopping is react. Reacting means responding to retailers, manufacturers, and public officials when a product, issue, or policy is making an environmental impact which is considered to be negative or positive. Reacting can also mean rejecting a product, retailer, manufacturer, or public official (in the next election) when a negative environmental impact is occurring. Making a purchase is like casting a vote for or against the environment.

When a consumer is unable to demonstrate preferences through purchasing choices, a responsible environmental shopper and concerned citizen attempts to influence corporate and/or public policy. A letter to a manufacturer, expressing concern or support for the company's response to environmental issues may have a very great impact. By persuading one major company to change its approach, other companies are likely to follow as they notice a shopping trend develop. Often, however, consumers are faced with problems that are beyond what they, or even a store owner or manufacturer can solve alone. In such cases, consumers can deal with the problem by conveying their opinions to a public official.(5)

The addresses of many manufacturers as well as the corporate headquarters of many retail store chains can be found in the Consumer's Resource Handbook (available from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009) or in the reference section of the local library(5). Addresses of local officials can be found at local offices and state officials' addresses are available in most public libraries.

The guidelines for writing to a store, manufacturer, or public official are as follows:(5)

State the issue clearly and write about only one subject at a time.
Be sure the letter is neatly typed or handwritten.
Write to a person by name.
Explain what action should be taken and why.
Keep the letter to one page in length.
Be courteous at all times.

In addition to these guidelines, when writing to a public official it is important to:

Individualize the letters. If writing to several public officials on the same subject, each should be written separately, using your own words. Identical copies may have little influence.
Time the letter's arrival. The letter should be written shortly before or at the time the subject is being discussed or the decision is being made.
Close with a statement of thanks and an expression of continued interest in future action.

Conclusion

This process incorporates environmentally responsible purchasing strategies that allow the consumer to evaluate and reduce consumption of products, especially products designed for only a single use, over-packaged products, disposables, products which may be hazardous to the environment, and products with additional, unnecessary elements.(3)

Consumers can become environmental shoppers by practicing the four "R's": reduce, reuse, recycle, and react. Environmental shopping begins before going to the store and doesn't end until after the product is used, reused, recycled, and "disposed" of.(5)

Before making a purchase, environmental shoppers may find it helpful to ask themselves the following questions:(5)

Do I really need this product?
Does it contain ingredients of concern?
Is there a safer alternative?
Will I be able to dispose of it properly?
Can I safely store the product in my home?

Recycling is a part of a larger integrated management system and the environmentally conscious consumer is vital to Indiana's success in managing its solid waste. Indiana House Bill 1240 mandated the formation of solid waste management districts and 20-year waste management plans. HB 1240 also calls for a 35% reduction of waste destined for landfills by 1996, with a 50% reduction goal by 2001. Environmental shopping and recycling can help the state reach these solid waste reduction goals.(3)

References

(4) Rifkin, J. (1990). Green Lifestyle Handbook. Henry Holt & Company.
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(2) Indiana Recycling Handbook. (1991). The Indiana Recycling Coalition. IDEM.
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(3) Clodfelter, T.C. (1991). Integrated Solid Waste Management. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.
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(2) Indiana Recycling Handbook. (1991). The Indiana Recycling Coalition. IDEM.
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(5) Cude, B. (1992). Environmental Shopping. University of Illinois, Cooperative Extension Service.
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(4) Rifkin, J. (1990). Green Lifestyle Handbook. Henry Holt & Company.
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(5) Cude, B. (1992). Environmental Shopping. University of Illinois, Cooperative Extension Service.
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(7) Hammer, M.S. (1992). Enviroshopping. University of Florida, Cooperative Extension Service.
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(6) Questions & Answers on Plastics, Packaging and the Environment. (1991). Council on Plastics and Packaging in the Environment.
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(8) A Household Hazardous Waste Fact Sheet. (1990). Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
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(9) Does Your House "Hold" Hazardous Waste? (1991). The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Waste Management Division.
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(10) Household Hazardous Wastes: Disposal Recommendations. (1987). Michigan State University, Cooperative Extension Service. (Extension Bulletin E-1782).
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(11) Household Hazardous Waste Wheel. (1991). Environmental Hazards Management Institute. Durham, NH.
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(12) Kimbrell, A.C. (1990). "Steering Towards Ecological Disaster." The Green Lifestyle Handbook. Henry Holt & Company.
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(13) Composting to Reduce the Waste Stream. (1991). Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service. Cooperative Extension Service.
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(14) Concern, Inc. (1989). Household Waste: Issues and Opportunities. Washington, DC.
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(15) Bonhotal, J.F., and Krasny, M.E. (1991). Composting: Wastes to Resources. Cornell University, Cooperative Extension Service.
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(3) Clodfelter, T.C. (1991). Integrated Solid Waste Management. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.
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(1) Indiana Solid Waste Management Plan: Working Draft. (1990, July). Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
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(16) Become An Environmental Shopper. (1990). The Pennsylvania Resources Council, Inc.
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(5) Cude, B. (1992). Environmental Shopping. University of Illinois, Cooperative Extension Service.
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(17) "A New Age Guide to Shopping Green." (1990, April). New Age Journal
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(5) Cude, B. (1992). Environmental Shopping. University of Illinois, Cooperative Extension Service.
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(3) Clodfelter, T.C. (1991). Integrated Solid Waste Management. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.
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