Green Purchasing
How we spend our money matters. Every dollar spent is a powerful vote for or against the environment, social justice and economic security.
Buy Wisely and use your power as a consumer to create change.
11 Considerations for Making Green Purchases
- Consider the environmental impacts of products at all stages of its life cycle, from processing of the product’s raw materials to its disposal. The impact of one area of a product’s life cycle may be small, but at another point in the life cycle, it may be very large.
- Choose products that are produced and manufactured as close to you as possible.
- Reduce harmful substances and chemicals. Select products that use and emit fewer substances that damage the environment and/or human health.
- Choose products that do not use as much energy or resources to produce.
- Choose products that provide a long service life. Consider not only durability, but “repairability” and the availability of repair parts.
- Choose reusable products.
- Choose recyclable products.
- Choose products with a high percentage of recycled material.
- Choose products that ensure trouble free disposal and treatment.
- Choose products from businesses that are environmentally and socially responsible.
- Gather and apply environmental information. Evaluate products by collecting environmental information on the products, manufacturers, and distributors.
Click here to read Furman University's Green Purchasing Guidelines
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Here are some links to help us find ways to promote sustainability during the holiday season and beyond:
Treehugger's Green Gift Guide
The New American Dream's Holiday Survival Kit
The Grist's Gift Ideas and Holiday Cheer
Natural Resource Defence Council's Great Green Gift Giving Guide