HOW TO EVOLVE INTO A "GREEN SHOPPER"
An in-depth look at environmentally friendly shopping
BACKGROUND
It is estimated that one-third of the trash which we dispose of consists of packaging material.
One of the most common sources of packaging is at the store or supermarket - places which are frequented by most William Paterson University residents.
A person who is dissatisfied about throwing away so much trash may become a "green shopper" by incorporating the five Rs of environmental shopping into his or her purchasing habits. All of us possess this potential!
Step 1: REDUCE
* The less you buy, the less there is to throw away.
* Purchase only those products which are absolutely necessary.
* Purchase products which have the least amount of packaging: buy in concentrates, buy in bulk, buy jointly with others.
* Do not take extra optional packaging for produce: e.g., a plastic bag for a bunch of bananas.
* Buy products packaged in recycled or recyclable materials: the recycling symbol indicates that the packaging is made with recycled material, and may also indicate that the packaging is recyclable (if there is a collection option available).
Step 2: REUSE
* Once is not enough!
* Use cloth or mesh shopping bags rather than paper or plastic: reuse any paper or plastic bags which you may already have.
* Buy products which have long and useful lives; e.g., rechargeable batteries.
* Reuse packaging which is often thrown into the trash as soon as it’s empty; e.g., yogurt cups, frozen food trays, boxes for storage or shipping.
* When you "outgrow" such products as clothing, toys or books, donate them to a local secondhand shop or drop off center. Remember: One person’s trash is another person’s treasure!
Step 3: RECYCLE
* Recycling saves energy, conserves and replenishes natural resources and can cut solid waste disposal costs.
* All William Paterson residents are required to separate the following designated materials from their trash for recycling purposes:
+ Newspaper + Corrugated
+ Aluminum Cans + Glass Bottles and Jars
+ Mixed Paper ( hi-grade, magazines, + Plastic Bottles { Type 1 (PETE)
+ Junk mail, scrap paper, etc.) and Type 2 (HDPE) only}
+ Steel "Tin" Cans + Household Batteries
The University also recycles other items: such as - yard waste, tires, vehicular batteries, scrape metal, motor oil and construction debris.
NOTE: Every building has at least one location for recycling material.
Step 4: REJECT
* Just say "NO".
* If you disapprove of excessive or non-recyclable packaging which engulfs a product, or if you disapprove of the product itself (because of nutritional deficiencies or overall low quality), leave it on the shelf and then be sure to react (see Step 5).
Step 5: REACT
* Call the toll-free telephone number printed on the package to express your dismay to the manufacturer.
* If no toll-free number appears on the package, dial 1-800-555-1212 to ask if there is indeed a toll-free number for the manufacturer.
* If you discover that there is no toll-free number, write a letter to the manufacturer explaining your concern. ( The manufacturer’s address is often printed on the package: if you’re unable to locate it, ask the store manager for assistance.)
* And remember that the manufacturers like to hear positive comments, too. If you approve of a product or its packaging, send a compliment!
CONGRATULATIONS! If you’ve followed the preceding five steps, you’re evolving into a "green shopper." For more information about how to change your purchasing and disposal habits, call Val Weiss, WPUNJ’s Recycling Coordinator at 720-3248, or email him at weissv@wpunj.edu