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Packaging materials of consumer items – When you shop for anything these days, we ask you to keep the sustainability of the packaging in the forefront (or at least the back) of your mind. Is the item packaged in a glass, a numbered plastic container or bottle, a cardboard box – preferably a thin one, a steel or aluminum can – all of these items can be recycled curbside.  Conversely, does it come plastic wrapped, blister-packed, surrounded in Styrofoam, packaged in a metallic shiny coated cardboard – all of these items end up in the landfill for future generations to enjoy.

If you are a restaurateur and want to be environmentally responsible about your take out containers - try Enviroware products from dispoz-o. They are durable and 100% biodegradable. They have plates, bowls, hinged containers, and utensils. They cost a little more than styrofoam but won't be on the planet for 1 million years at earth's expense.

Do you pay attention to the source of your food? Most food items list their country of origin and often the state if they are from the United States. If you live in the Northeast, think about the environmental impact of eating a Pineapple.  Although they are tasty – that fruit was harvested from a tree in Costa Rica (that was likely planted in a field which natural tropical forest was destroyed), trucked from the field to the port, shipped from the port to Florida, trucked or sent via train to a local distribution center, then re-trucked to your store…How about choosing some blueberries or many varieties of apples which are grown relatively locally. Farmers markets are often chock full of locally grown produce. Check the label on your orange juice too – are they using Florida oranges or are they from another country.

Thinking more about the choices we make in the store can add up to a big change. You’re essentially sending a message to the stores and manufacturers that you want to buy items that are packaged in a more responsible way and originate from a more local source.

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