Making Smart Shopping Decisions!

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There are ten questions below which are designed to help you think about the 3 R's (reduce, reuse, and recycle) as they apply to buying products. You can review the questions with your parents, and try some of the examples and ideas below next time you go shopping!

10 Questions To Ask When You Go Shopping...

1. Do I really need this product?
The fiirst of the 3 R's is reduce. Unnecessary products end up in the landfill.

2. Can this product or package be recycled?
What is it made of? The following items can be recycled in Durango: aluminum cans, steel cans, newspaper, corrugated cardboard, paper bags, and glass bottles. Whenever possible, you should try to buy products with packaging that can be recycled in your town.

3. Is this product or package made from recycled materials?
Many packages, like cerial boxes, will have a stamp "made from recycled material". Other recycled packaging includes steel cans, aluminum cans, and glass.

4. Can I get this product with less packaging?
Many of the "convenience" products (e.g. box juice, cheese & crackers, etc.) can be purchased in lesser-packaged alternatives.

5. Can I buy this product in a large container or in bulk?
By buying in bulk we can reduce waste. We can also make our own "convenience" packaging using Tupperware®, or reusable bags and cups.

6. Can I use this container for something else when it is empty?
Examples of reusing containers include: food storage, art projects, toy storage, refilling, etc.

7. Can I bring this container back to refill it?
Examples of containers to refill include: water jugs, deli containers, and bags.

8. Is this product or package safe for the environment? Is there a better choice?
Any product with a caution, warning, or danger label on it is probably not environmentally friendly. Most cleaning can be done with non-toxic alternatives.

9. Can I save money and be a Trash Terminator at the same time?
Most of the time, the answer is "yes". We usually pay for that extra packaging.

10. Do I really need a bag for this purchase? Can I recycle or re-use the bag?
The City of Durango recycles paper shopping bags and the grocery stores recycle plastic bags. It is still better to choose reusable shopping bags or choose no bag when possible.

 

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