by Karissa Kilgore
You already recycle and shut off the water when you're brushing your teeth. What more can the average person do to give the environment a boost? Buy green products.
It's not just a trend any more-—but that doesn't mean that "going green" should keep you from your own style. In fact as people become more environmentally conscious, turning your own style green is easier. Looking out for the environment when you're shopping for your personal needs makes you look good and feel good. And it should, because you can improve the environment in a variety of ways.
What's Good for the Earth is Good for You
There are obvious benefits to seeking out environmentally friendly goods. They're made with natural materials like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, soy, or recycled plastics. They might save precious resources by using a natural resource in place of the typical or more readily available source ,like using recycled plastic instead of leather for a handbag.
Fewer chemicals are used to make these products-—and even if chemicals are used they are most likely recycled in order to cut down on waste. Handmade products are in abundance, and many times they're made according to the fair trade standards (no sweatshops). Some companies run all their manufacturing equipment on wind or solar power. Guilt-free production for guilt-free shopping!
Moreover, people who are allergic to processed materials, like manufactured cotton or synthetic dyes, can rely on green goods to be gentler towards their sensitivities. Without pesticides to grow the raw materials or chemicals to bog down their processing, the products that result are more pure than ordinary store-brand goods.
Copycats Verboten
Better yet, though, is the cool factor--and I don't mean climate control! When you buy products that are environmentally friendly, conscious, or safe sometimes you are buying original items. Handmade or hand-decorated items are tough to replicate, so don't expect to find those stacked on a rack somewhere. The use of natural dyes can also limit the possibility of duplication since they may richen or fade with normal use or washing.
Many sellers use recycled materials and items to create their goods-—from license plates to glass bottles, bald tires to gum wrappers-—and that means you're getting one-of-a-kind gear. No copycats. No knockoffs. Your green-wear is unique and bound to make others go green… and you didn't even have to special order it.
Keep the Ball Rolling
There are some that are more mainstream, but a lot of businesses that make and sell environmentally friendly products are small businesses. What could be better than supporting entrepreneurs with a passion for the Earth?
By purchasing their goods, you're supporting these business owners and letting them know that you believe in what they're doing and want them to keep doing it. Helping these smaller businesses to grow means they can begin to compete with larger companies. If these businesses can make their mission and products more visible to the public, the more people will know about buying green. The more people that buy green, the better it'll be for the whole planet. And you thought you were just shopping…
Renewable Goods, Endless Benefits
Really, the benefits to buying green can't be listed conclusively. That's because all people are bound to find something that's great about it. It could be organic materials that don't irritate your sensitive skin or the breathable and antimicrobial nature of bamboo socks that keep your feet dry and odor free. Best of all, when you buy green you're making the world better for others, not just you. Shopping just became a lot less materialistic.
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