9.24.2012

14 Sometimes buying eco-friendly isn't the answer

There are times when I stumble upon an eco product and I have to really stop myself from buying it. I want it but I don't need it. The reason I don't need it is because 9 times out of 10 I already have something that serves the purpose this product would fill. Sometimes the product I am using is not eco-friendly but did you know that replacing it with an eco-friendly item would in fact not always be the best solution.

I really want glass storage containers. I already have enough plastic storage containers.

I want a Chevy Volt in my life. My 8 year Mazda runs perfectly.

I drool over the new Kleen Kanteen plastic free water bottle. I already have an awesome water bottle.

Organic mattress...yep I want one. Our current mattress is relatively new.

 photo credit: Antonio Villaraigosa via photopin cc
 
It takes a lot of resources to make new products, especially those made from virgin sources, even eco-friendly products. Those glass storage containers I want...it takes 4777 kilowatt hours of electricity to produce 1 ton of glass. The most eco-friendly solution is to keep using the containers I have and when they need to be replaced look for used glass containers or containers made from recycled glass.

As a society we need to separate wants from needs and only buy items that we need. Yes, not having the newest and greatest eco product can be hard for an eco-nerd like me. But I would rather have my plastic cupboard of shame with a plan to replace it with sustainable alternatives as needed than I to dispose of them before they have outlived their use just so I can say I have something cool.

What about you? Do you replace things before they need to be? Are you a needs or a wants buyer?

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14 comments:

  1. This is something that I know a lot of "greenies" struggle with. We somehow think that we need to ditch the non-Eco-friendly items immediately even though they are doing the job. And I will admit that when someone comes into my home and sees a plastic container, it's a bit embarrassing since I'm always talking against the stuff. But, if it's working and doesn't pose a health problem (ie some plastic food containers that leach out chemicals), then I think it's better to use the item before getting something new. After all, what will become of the tossed out item? It'll probably end up in a landfill ... and, as you mentioned, it does take energy and materials to create something new ... even a something new that Eco-friendly. Thanks for a wonderful post!

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  2. I always feel terrible when people see me using something like plastic containers. Slowly they are getting old and I am recycling them and then when I don't have enough anymore I can get me some glass!

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  3. If I could redo one thing in my life it would be my wedding registry. We got so many wonderful kitchen supplies that I've been slowly replacing for greener and healthier options. Wish I knew then what I know now.

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  4. Did you get trigger happy with the scanning gun? ;)

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  5. I could not agree more with this post!!! We do not need to buy new things, even ecofriendly things!

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  6. I tried selling my plastic containers at a yard sale...what didn't sell I donated to the thrift store and have been replacing with glass from that thrift store when I can find it. New items not created, old ones kept in circulation. :)

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  7. Having a huge stingy streak, I used to save all containers that might come in handy. Now I save just the glass ones - and try to buy only things that come in glass in the first place. I've only a handful of containers that I've actually spent money to get.

    On the car: I did some digging on lifecycle energy use once (Oct 2011 post) and found, to my surprise, that in the U.S. trading in a guzzler for a new sipper makes sense from the green perspective (but does a number on your checkbook). It depends on how guzzly the old car is, and how green the new one is. You can do the math for your particular situation to see if you come out ahead with the Volt.

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  8. Hi Jen! Love this post. It's so easy to buy into green products, and for good reason. I like your point on glass. I was just struggling with that myself recently. I have a bunch of plastic containers, but I want glass (for both health and eco reasons), but throwing out my plastic containers may actually be the least eco-friendly thing to do. I'm an aspiring minimalist, so I'm trying to focus more on 'need' rather than 'want' when it comes to buying new products, even if they've been dubbed 'green.'

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  9. @CelloMom - my current car is pretty green....so that is why I can't justify getting a Volt

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  10. @Amanda - The glass containers are the one I struggle with daily. I want to get rid of my plastic so bad but I just can't bring myself to when they are still good for use.

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  11. Great points! I also get wrapped up in wanting new eco-friendly products. My goal for the rest of the year is to reduce what I buy and use what I have or at least shop second-hand.

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  12. Hi Jen! I completely agree that in most cases it's best to use what you've already got instead of buying more. But as soon as the old stuff wears out, I shop for eco-friendly products that I'm confident will last me a long time. I must admit that I'm guilty of buying lots of things that I don't really need from second hand stores, however. Somehow I don't feel as bad about indulging a little in a thrift store. Great post!

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  13. Impulse buys at the second hand store are much better than impulse buys of new products!

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