The holidays are fast approaching -- many people have already started their shopping. There are so many things to shop for, plus the crowded stores can get a bit overwhelming for any shopper. During this time, it’s easy to get carried away by the deals and sales and forget about caring for the Earth, such as using single-use plastic. Yet, there are ways you can stay sustainable amid the frenetic energy of the holidays.
In this article, we will share five practical tips to shop sustainably:
- Avoid Using Plastic
Plastic packaging is harmful to the environment, and there are already many that still can’t be eliminated completely. This holiday season, avoid using plastic as much as possible and support businesses that implement eco-friendly methods to fulfill their customers’ needs. You can also take a proactive approach to look for companies that package their products with more sustainable materials.
- Use Your Own Bags
If you are shopping at the stores, make sure you bring your bags. It’s too easy to accumulate plastic bags during the holidays, especially when you get too caught up with all the shopping. When you bring your own bag on your grocery runs, you reduce the use of plastic. Likewise, you can use a tote or a cloth bag that is more eco-friendly and durable, such as our selection of sustainable grocery tote bags!
- Do Most Of Your Shopping Online
Today, most brands have established their online presence to meet ever-changing customer demands. With that, you can now shop for items online, which will help you contribute to the environment by reducing fossil fuel pollution. Remember, the holidays can get really packed with so many people driving from one store to another. Not only will this get you in a potential traffic jam, but you will also be in the middle of increased amounts of foot traffic.
Avoid the crowd, be kinder to the environment, and find ways where you can purchase your items for the holidays online instead!
- Shop For The Right Reasons
As mentioned, it’s easy to get carried away when shopping during this time of the year. Everywhere you look, there always seems to be sales and deals going on that you are just too tempted to grab because they’re such a “bargain.” However, this could only end up in unnecessary spending that puts you in a rut once the holidays are over.
Make sure that your shopping trips are for a reason so that you can avoid wasting your time and be smarter with what you buy. An effective way to guarantee this is by making a list. When you shop with a list in hand, you are more focused on what you need to get, and this allows you to spend less time outdoors and spend only on the items needed.
- Keep Away From Some Fabrics
Polyester, acrylic, and nylon are some of the non-biodegradable fabrics. If you can avoid purchasing them, do so. Make sure that you look at what fabrics are used in the products you plan to purchase before you add them to your cart. It’s best to go for linen, hemp, or organic cotton fabrics instead because the manufacturing of these materials uses less water.
Conclusion
There are now more businesses that are stepping up to become more sustainable, which means you won’t have a hard time finding brands that support the environment. This holiday season, be sure to exercise sustainable shopping to help save the Earth. At the same time, you will feel a lot better, and it could even help you save more money!
Get quality and sustainable tote bags you can use or give as gifts to your loved ones this holiday here at ShoreBags. We have a wide selection of bags from boat tote bags, canvas, and many more. Visit our store and place your order today!