Ways to Buy Green
You can reduce air pollution by making smart purchasing decisions
Fact: Americans use so many Styrofoam cups each year that, if stacked end to end, they would to circle the earth 426 times. That’s one hundred cups per person per year. These cups are made from petroleum products, a non-renewable resource. The processes and resources that create, distribute, and dispose of these cups contributes to air pollution – and contribute to our continued reliance on foreign oil.
Think before you buy – Choose one of the reusable coffee mugs at your local coffee shop instead of purchasing the coffee in a disposable cup. Avoid other disposable products as well.
Buy Smart
- Buy ENERGY STAR products, including energy efficient lighting and appliances. They are environmentally friendly products. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-STAR-YES.
- Choose efficient, low-polluting models of vehicles. Visit www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.
- Choose products that have less packaging and are reusable.
- Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.
- Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.
Additional Resources for Green Community Growth
- Database of Environmental Information for Products and Services
- Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)
- Pollution Prevention Strategies – Tools and Calculators
- WasteWise – Preserving Resources, Preventing Waste
- Reduce Air Pollution – Buy Smart
- Cleaner Burning Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
- Controlling Pollutants and Sources
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