Even the simple things we do each day can have a huge impact on our planet and on our fellow citizens. Most of us wander aimlessly through the shopping malls and blindly throw things into our carts, not giving much thought to the actual process each item has undergone to get all the way from where it started to comfortably in our shopping bags.

How about this idea… the next time you go shopping why don’t you stop and ask yourself some hard questions about where the item came from and what its life-cycle will be now that it has come into your possession. You may be surprised (and saddened) when you think about the impact even one little thing can have. Try, however, to be empowered and know that you can make a difference through how you spend your almighty dollar.

Some things to consider -

Do I really need this? (the most important question you can ask)

Is there any way I can get this second hand?

Is there any way I can make this myself?

Is it worth the cost - is it a quality item or made from materials that will not last long?  

Who made this item -

In what country?

Under what conditions?

How much did they get paid?

Were they under a certain age?

What is the environmental impact of this product -

What raw materials were excavated or used to make this item?

Did these materials come from a renewable source or were they sustainably harvested?

Is their country of origin being exploited for its natural resources?

How much energy and water went into making this product?

Were there any harmful chemicals used in making this product?

How far did this item have to travel to get to me?

Is there a locally made alternative to this item? 

Does it have too much packaging - what is the packaging made of? Is it recyclable?

What is the impact of this product on me and my family -

Are my ethics in line with the way this item was made, marketed, or distributed?

Are there chemicals in this product that will harm me or my family?

Is this product built to last or is it made poorly so I will have to replace it soon?

Will the chemicals in this product harm the soil or groundwater when it is disposed of?

What happens when I am done with this product -

Am I able to reuse this item in some other way?

Can I send the packaging back to be refilled?

Am I able to recycle this product?

Can I donate this product?

Is it biodegradable or will it linger in the landfill for a long time?

I think that as you spend more time thinking about how much your simple shopping decisions can have an impact you will become more aware of the world of “stuff” around you… and realize that it is not about how much you “have” that really even matters.

Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day! Share your love by going green!

Fair trade, sustainable, organic – these terms can often be confusing. Here’s a quick review and why The Green Robin believes in these principles so strongly.

Fair Trade is a system of exchange that honors producers, communities, consumers and the environment. It is a model for the global economy rooted in people-to-people connections, justice and sustainability.

Sustainability is an attempt to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future. Sustainability relates to the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society, as well as the non-human environment. 

Organic is a form of agriculture which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The role of organic agriculture is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms from the smallest in the soil to human beings. 

The Green Robin values these principles and carefully selects goods produced by companies who uphold them. These companies realize the importance of paying a fair wage to workers and a fair price for goods. These companies work with farmer-owned cooperatives which empower individuals in the global economy and create a sustainable future for everyone. These companies also understand that when production has a minimal impact on the environment, everyone wins.