7 Eco-Friendly Shopping Habits You Need To Make

We all know that global warming is a problem and that we need to change our ways to save the planet but what you might not have known is that bad shopping habits is one of the leading global warming causes. By adopting these 7 eco-friendly shopping habits you need to make, you’ll be doing your bit for the planet without even a second thought in no time.

1. Make Lists & Stick To Them

Before you even go shopping, make a list of absolutely everything that you need to buy and stick to it! This will ensure that you don’t buy any more than you need to and won’t ultimately end up going in the bin.

2. Bring Reusable Bags

Start remembering to bring reusable bags to carry your shopping in and stop using the stores plastic bags, many charge you per plastic bag you take so not only will you be helping save the environment but you will also save a bit of cash. Tote bags are great because they are cute, strong, durable, and can be folded away into a handbag or a jacket pocket.

3. Shop Locally

By shopping locally, you are ensuring that you know the source of your food, keeping the local economy growing, and helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Shop in local greengrocers and butchers rather than large chain supermarkets as you will likely only buy what you need, save money, reduce waste, and feel good about it.

4. Bring Your Own Fruit & Veg Bags

This will only really work if you follow the step above and shop locally, but often larger shops will allow you to weigh loose fruit and veg in your own little reusable bags. Again, tote bags are great for this as are bee wraps, a reusable alternative to clingfilm, but any small and lightweight bag will do just fine.

5. Shop Second Hand

Shopping second hand is a great way to reduce waste and to give items a new life. Charity shops are often flooded with last season’s clothes that are only a few months old are perfectly functional. Another insider secret is that furniture stores often donate last season’s stock that won’t sell and have never left the showroom. Help a good cause and pay the fraction of the price for the items you want, who could say no?!

6. Buy Items That Are Made To Last

We’ve all heard of fast fashion and we’re so over it. Now we’re all about slow fashion and it’s a trend that’s here to stay! Slow fashion is essentially cutting back on buying cheap, throw-away clothes from fast fashion retailers and only buying clothes that are made to last but this doesn’t mean that we can’t be cute with it! There are loads of apps out there for sourcing ethically moral fashion brands, one of the leading apps is Good For You”, which can help point you in the right direction to start shopping for clothes a bit more ethically.

7. Try Consuming Less Animal Products

Agriculture is one of the leading causes of global warming but you may find that there are many more delicious options than you thought by cutting out animal products. Of course, a vegan or even a vegetarian lifestyle is not for everyone, and that is completely fine but there is no harm in trying out “Meatless Monday’s” or “Vegan Sundays” if you can.