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Sustainable Shopping

“there are no such things as great deeds — only small ones done with great heart.” —mother theresa, founder of the missionaries of charity and nobel peace prize winner, 1979

Locally grown peaches in a basket at a farmer's market

Now more than ever, consumer choices affect business and economic decisions. Due to increased global awareness about climate change and the negative effects of human activity on the environment, it has become easier to find sustainable products while shopping. Let corporations know sustainability and the environment are important to you by choosing to purchase the right products.

Here are some things to consider while browsing the isles of your favorite stores. Ask yourself: “Is this product…

  • …recyclable?”
  • …made from recycled material?”
  • …energy efficient?”
  • …ecologically friendly?”
  • …durable?”
  • …locally produced?”

Most importantly: Before you buy, be sure to ask yourself, "Do I really need to buy this product?" Reducing your overall consumption is the best option for living a sustainable lifestyle.

Many products have labels demonstrating their sustainability. Energy Star appliances in particular conserve energy and are good for the environment. Also, many cleaning products are hazardous to the environment and should be chosen carefully.

Eagles zip-up sweatshirt

At the Boston College Bookstore you can find books on sustainability, styling sweatshirts to wear instead of turning up the heat, and even energy-efficient light bulbs.

Not sure where to shop? Check out the sites below for products that are made from recycled material and/or fairly traded:

Ethical Superstore
Doy Bags
Silverchilli
RecycleBag.com
ReuseIt.com

Global Exchange: Fair Trade Shopping
Loll Designs
1% for the Planet
Green America’s Business Seal of Approval

 

Farmers' Markets

Shopping at local farmers' markets supports the hard work of smaller farms, and is healthier for you and the environment because fewer pesticides and fertilizers are used. Making a stop at the farmers' market is a fun event for friends, family, and neighbors! Find out more about the farmers' markets near you:

Federation of Massachusetts Farmers' Markets
Massachusetts Department of Agriculture

 

Back-to-School Shopping, Locally and Sustainably

Stores near Boston College with back-to-school products in eco-friendly brands:

Home Depot

Energy Star
  • Appliances and electronics
  • Compact fluorescent lightbulbs

 

Shaw's Supermarkets

Local produce
Seventh Generation brand products:
  • Free and Clear cleaners
  • Laundry products
  • Dishwashing detergents
  • Recycled paper products
  • Feminine care
Kiss My Face brand products:
  • Body care
  • Beauty and face care
  • Cleansing products
  • Hair care
  • Oral care
  • Sun care

 

Staples

Method brand products
Eco-friendly office supplies available in:
  • Binders & Accessories
  • Boards & Easels
  • Bookcases
  • Calculators & Office Machines
  • Calendars & Planners
  • Chairmats, Floormats & Rugs
  • Cleaning & Breakroom
  • Copier & Fax
  • Desk Accessories/Rolodex
  • Drafting & Art Supplies
  • Envelopes & Forms
  • File Folders & Accessories
  • File and Storage Cabinets
  • Furniture Accessories
  • Lamps & Lighting
  • Mailroom & Shipping Supplies
  • Monitors & Digital Projectors
  • Paper & Pads
  • Pens, Writing & Correction
  • Post-its®, Stickies™ & Flags
  • Printers & All-in-Ones
  • Storage & Desk Organizers
  • Tape, Clips & Rubber Bands

 

Stop & Shop

Local produce
Seventh Generation brand products
Method brand products

 

Target

Alba Botanica facial care products
Avalon Organics facial care products
Burt’s Bees skin & bath products
Dr. Bronner’s brand products
Energy Star appliances and electronics
Erbaorganics brand products
Giovanni Cosmetics
JASON Natural Products
Juice Organics brand products
Kiss My Face brand products
Method brand products:
  • Air care
  • Cleaning products
  • Bathroom personal items
  • Body & hand care
  • Dish soap
  • Laundry supplies
  • Floor mops
  • Cleaning products for specialty surfaces
Weleda brand products:
  • Bath products
  • Organic products
  • Bedding
  • Furniture
  • Towels
  • Décor
General:
  • Bikes and roller blades
  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Recycled material rugs and mats
  • Reusable shopping bags and totes
  • Totes Eco-Umbrella
  • Recycled paper products, notebooks, paper, Post-its®, photo albums, & journals
  • Recycled paper frames
  • Recycled confetti dinner sets

 

Walgreen's

Seventh Generation brand products

 

Walmart

Eco-friendly quick-drying towels
Eco-friendly down-alternative
  comforter
DVDs and CDs in eco-friendly
  packaging
Athletic Works organic T-shirts
Stott Pilates eco-friendly mats
Targus bags
Tramontina eco-friendly cookware

 

Whole Foods Market