Green Savvy – The environment, energy efficiency, solar power, & green living » Precycling puts the environment ahead of the curve

Nov 26 2007

Precycling puts the environment ahead of the curve

Published by Jennifer at 9:15 pm under Precycling

(NC)-Making a positive difference for the environment starts with making good choices. Reduce, reuse and recycle is a well-known mantra, but more and more environmental groups are also talking about precycling. The term refers to making buying decisions that have the lowest impact on the environment. Since most Canadians make more grocery shopping decisions than any other kind, here are some more environmental “R”s to think about the next time you’re filling the cart:

Rebuy. recycled packaging and products

Savvy manufacturers are using more recycling symbols and environmental eco-labeling to help you make choices. Be clear on how to read them. Recyclable is not the same as recycled.

The mobius loop means that the packaging is recyclable where facilities exist

This symbol indicates that the packaging or product contains recycled content

Refuse. plastic bags

Each year, billions of plastic grocery bags end up in landfills. To help divert plastic from the waste stream, purchase a reusable grocery bag, like Sobeys’ Green Bag for Life. The bag is machine-washable, holds over 20 kilograms and is 100 per cent recyclable. When the bag wears out, you can return it to any participating store for a free replacement, and Sobeys will recycle the old one.

Reconsider. fresh from the meat counter or produce department

Avoid styrofoam packaging typical of pre-packaged meat products and buy your cuts fresh from the counter. You can minimize waste by buying the exact quantity you require, and can recycle the paper wrapper. In the produce department, think twice before using a plastic produce bag. Does that garlic bulb really need to be wrapped in plastic?

Credit: www.newscanada.com