The business world is starting to look at “scope 3” emissions: those involved with all the goods they purchase, including getting them shipped. For most companies and people, this is far higher than your personal emissions, but it’s still done on your behalf and you have influence over it.
These options aren’t grouped into levels of impact, because it’s so variable. See which ones might make sense for you to do.
- First of all, buy less. And make sure that what you buy will last. Don’t buy anything whose entertainment value is just a flash in the pan before it’s thrown out, even for your kids.
- Check out ratings on all your personal care products, cleaning products, and other items you bring into your home. A lot of chemicals are bad for both the environment and you, so switching is a big win. Many companies are moving toward renewable energy and other good practices when making products, too. Check out your favorite brand on the EWG website or the Think Dirty app.
- Again, bring your own coffee cup when you go to your favorite coffee shop. Send a signal to companies that reducing waste matters to you.
- Buy secondhand. Check out places like 2nd & Charles, Eco-Thrift, Plato’s Closet, Repeat Boutique, Goodwill, ARC. Even CSU Surplus has an ever-changing set of goods, including compost for your garden.
- If you have time, check out a company’s environmental standards and policies before buying from them. Buy from companies like Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, REI, and even Starbucks if you live near one of their “Greener Stores”, and others that are trying to do good and reduce their emissions.
- Buy greener cleaning products such as laundry detergent, dish soap, and many other cleaners. Seventh Generation and
- Don’t go to restaurants that package to-go meals in Styrofoam. It can’t be recycled. In Fort Collins, this is phasing out, but it’s not gone yet.
- Consider holding on to your phone or other tech gadgets for an extra six months to a year. Companies would like you to think that you need a new one as soon as possible, but that’s more in their interest than yours.
- Consider ESG ratings when investing. Data shows that companies considering their environmental risks are pulling ahead of their peers.