By Marnie Cedillos
Ever heard the saying: “You put your money where your mouth is”. Well, it’s true! Many shoppers don’t realize the impact their hard earned dollar makes in the world. We ALL have the ability to make a difference by choosing to purchase products, or by boycotting products. We aren’t just talking about purchasing a hybrid car over gas guzzlers, and planting trees for shade; let’s take a closer look at companies and brands here in Colorado that can help change our world.
Green-e Marketplace– courtesy of energy.gov
“Companies using 100% renewable energy for their manufacturing facilities, as well as a minimum amount for their entire company, are eligible to use the Green-e Marketplace logo. Thirty-eight companies are members of the Green-e Marketplace and at least nine companies make independent claims of using renewable energy: Aveda, Boulder Canyon Chips, Drew’s (salad dressing), Kettle Brand (potato chips), Lundberg Family Farms, New Belgium Brewing, Kraft, SC Johnson, and WhiteWave Foods.” (energy.gov)
Purchasing Green Brands
Brands that are built on making a difference (Just some)
–Good Earth– produces all organic foods, with no GMO’s, powered by 100% renewable energy. Their commitment to quality and a radiation monitoring station on their store shows they do care about the environment. (good earth)
–Annies– all organic, sustainably produced, 100% recyclable packaging, and they “have donated nearly $2 million dollars in the last 5 years to organizations that protect and support both people and the planet: by teaching kids about real food, awarding grants to those building sustainable systems, conducting important research, and so much more” (Annies)
–Seventh Generation has made it their mission to provide a humanely safe product AND help save our planet. By using non-toxic cleaners that really work, and maintaining a commitment to sustainability. (7th Gen)
–Kashi– organic based healthy foods isn’t the only thing Kashi does: “Through its participation in the Certified Transitional program, Kashi is providing financial and infrastructural support for farmers transitioning to organic, ensuring supply chain security and increasing access to organic foods.” (kashi source)
Wonder where you should shop for these brands in Denver? Healthy Grocery Stores in Denver
Packaging reduction
-Shopping at a local Farmers Market has little to no packaging (and less transport cost!)
-Take your own reusable shopping bags to the store, and if you do use a plastic bag please reuse or recycle it! Want reusable bags you can wash? Check out Enviro Sax.
-Buy refills! Refills are more affordable and use less packaging.
-Purchase products with less packaging, and recycle that package!
Companies/products to avoid!
-The Koch Brothers brands- these guys care less about the planet and more about making money. (for more info see: Koch Bros. Exposed) You can avoid supporting the planet’s destruction by avoiding these brands:
–Con Agra Foods– “ConAgra is one of the most irresponsible companies that one can find on Wall St. From fighting GMO labeling to abusing labor and the environment they have done it all.” (for more info see: bad company)
–Pepsi. PepsiCo has continued to use Conflict Palm Oil despite public outrage. And they actually organized a marketing campaign that said they were using sustainable palm oil, which was a lie! Pepsi also owns: Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Frito Lay, Quaker, and Tropicana, to name some (Eat at your own risk!) (for more info see: palm oil abuse)
–Petroleum products- (AKA Petrolatum, Plastic, Rubber, Wax, Styrofoam,) Petroleum products are derived from oil, they are synthetic (chemically man made) and known to cause cancer. It is possible to avoid petroleum products, but not easy. So buy, cook, drink and eat from natural materials: glass, ceramic stoneware, wood or metal whenever possible. For more info on Petroleum products visit: cancer causing petroleum
If you want to be a green consumer, than “put your money where your mouth is”, and purchase wisely my friends!
Photo Credits: Google’s Creative Commons, Seventh Generation, Rainforest Action Network
Eco Life 