Elon Sustainability’s January theme is Sustainable Purchasing. We encourage you to make a few changes this month to be more environmentally conscious when shopping. Also, please take some time to read up on Elon’s sustainable purchasing initiatives: http://www.elon.edu/e-web/bft/sustainability/ci-purchasing.xhtml
January Sustainable Purchasing Tips:
– Always use a reusable shopping bag!
– Purchase paper that contains recycled content. Paper products made with recycled content save trees, water and energy
– Purchase Energy Star rated products. They use less energy and in-turn save you money on your utility bill
– Purchase products with environmental certifications –
- Biodegradable Products Institute: labels the biodegradable plastic products that can safely break down in commercial composting facilities
- ENERGY STAR: labels energy-efficient products such as light fixtures, appliances and office equipment
- Forest Stewardship Council: labels paper and lumber products that have been made with sustainably harvested wood
- Greenguard: labels products that do not affect indoor air quality such as paint, furniture and cleaning products
- Green Seal: labels cleaners and paints that meet set standards
- Fair Trade USA: labels products that have been manufactured under fair and safe working conditions, such as coffee, tea, chocolate and rice
- US Department of Agriculture Organic: labels food products that meet federal set standards for pesticide and fertilizer use and approved methods of growing, harvesting and production