The Green Consumer

This has nothing to do with being a vegetarian.
Nor with being generally inexperienced
Nor with fashion

BUT

With Doing Everything To Protect the Environment

I. WHEN SHOPPING

• Try to avoid products designed specifically for a short life span, e.g. disposable items such as razors.
   
• Buy pump action sprays. Avoid aerosols as considerable amounts of energy are used in their manufacture and also Chloro Fluoro Carbons (CFCs), or their alternatives contribute to the formation of low level ozone, a green house gas - bad for the environment!!
   
• Demand recycled paper products.

II. IN YOUR COMMUNITY

• Learn about the industries in your area and what potentially hazardous materials they use, or generate as waste. Ensure that levels of emissions are acceptable and that there are adequate methods for containment and disposal of waste. (Get your neighbourhood watch group, local school and youth club involved).
   
• Demand that government carry out environmental audits of industries in your area and insist that the results are made public.
   
• Become involved in the environmental impact assessment processes.

III. TRANSPORT

• Reduce individual dependence on the car - walk, cycle, use public transport, become part of a car pool.
   
• Save petrol - pick the car that most suits your needs - hire a car when you need something bigger or more powerful. Pick a car with low fuel consumption and don't drive with a heavy foot.
   
• To increase fuel conservation ensure that tyres are kept at the correct pressure.
   
• Recycle your engine oil. NEVER throw it down the drain.

IV. IN THE HOME

• Use energy efficient lighting. e.g. long life bulbs or fluorescent lamps - they cost more initially but last many times longer and pay for themselves in energy saved.
   
• Use solar and other low impact renewable energy systems, wherever possible.
   
• Recycle. Contact your local environmental group to find out how you can recycle paper, plastic, glass, aluminum and other household wastes.
   
• Use phosphorous free or low phosphorous detergents, and buy detergents with a high degree of biodegradability.
   
• Better still, consider alternatives to harsh cleaning products - use vinegar to clean the toilet; washing soda in your dishwasher, pure soap to wash dishes.

 

 

 

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