Nashville, TN - New American Dream Home

Resource Guide for
Buying Wisely in Nashville
how to… money
keep more
find
in
products
that are
good for us all
your pocket
people
& places
support
you love
live consciously
buy wisely
make a difference
Also Inside:
10 Products You Use Every Week
9 Big Ticket Items That Really Matter
Local Business Ratings
www.newdream.org • 1-877-68-DREAM
Printed on 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper.
For the 12 South, Belmont, and Hillsboro
neighborhoods
www.newdream.org
1-877-68-DREAM
The Three Steps to Buying Wisely — and
Who Benefits
J Save Some
Notes
Break free of stress and debt
Avoid clutter, stress, and time needed to manage “stuff ”
Escape dissatisfaction of commercial culture
Have time to focus on what really matters
Have more money to Look Local and Go Green!
2 Improve your quality of life
J Look Local
Create more high-quality local jobs
Save energy and pollution from shipping
Keep money local and downtowns vibrant
Respect workers across town and around the globe
2 Support your neighbors
J Go Green
Save natural resources
Reduce pollution (and associated health problems)
Slow global warming and waste less energy
Support fair economies for preferable products
2 Respect your planet
2
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Table of Contents
Step 1: Save Some
Step 2: Look Local
Step 3: Go Green
10 Products You Use Every Week, Their Impact, and the Best Options
Major Purchases, Major Impact ­­ Nine Big-Ticket Items
Putting It All Together
About New American Dream
Help Us Out
Spread the News
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10
15
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Why a buy wisely guide in Nashville?
Ask your neighbors what really matters. You’ll likely hear “a safe future
for my kids,” “treating people respectfully,” or “a strong community.”
Ask them what they want more of, and they’ll reply “more time,”
“more security,” or maybe just “more fun.” Unfortunately, our hyperconsumerist culture’s focus on “more is better” flies in the face of
these real American values and pounds us with an incessant drumbeat
of: “bigger is better… excess is best… cheap stuff trumps all.” This
guide is designed to help Nashville residents cut through that distraction and re-align our consumer choices with our values to help make
our community, and the world, the place we dream it could be.
Cover photo by Michelle Cribbs
www.michellecribbs.com
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3
Step 1: Save Some
Shopping in line with your
values can be quite simple and
deeply rewarding. Reusing
items instead of buying new
will allow you to save more for
what really matters. After all,
Americans today work nearly
200 hours more than we did
three decades ago. When you
cannot change how much you
buy (with food, for example),
think consciously about what you do buy, where it came from, who it
affects, and how your buying habits can have a positive impact.
How
• Print a New American Dream Wallet Buddy to wrap around your
credit card to remind yourself what’s important before buying at:
www.newdream.org/walletbuddy.pdf
• Join a local community network or study group (see below)
• See how less can mean more at:
www.newdream.org/buy/buyingless.php
Where
Community Networks
• Craig’s List: http://nashville.craigslist.org
• Freecycle: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NashvilleFreecycle
• Isharestuff.org: http://Isharestuff.org
• 12 South Neighborhood Association: www.12south.org
• Hillsboro Village: www.hillsborovillage.com
Nashville Public Libraries: www.library.nashville.org
•Edgehill Library: 1409 12th Ave. S., 615.862.5861
• Green Hills Library: 3701 Benham Ave., 615.862.5863
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Tell businesses in your neighborhood that you want them
to participate in our Resource Guide for Buying Wisely
project! Cut or tear off a slip and deposit in one of your
local businesses’ suggestion boxes.
As a frequent customer in your store, I would love for your business to participate in the Center for a New American Dream’s Resource Guide for Buying
Wisely project! The participation of your business would truly show your
commitment to the well-being of our community and concern for our shared
environment and resources.
For project and participation details visit: www.newdream.org/buyingwisely or
contact: [email protected]
As a frequent customer in your store, I would love for your business to participate in the Center for a New American Dream’s Resource Guide for Buying
Wisely project! The participation of your business would truly show your
commitment to the well-being of our community and concern for our shared
environment and resources.
For project and participation details visit: www.newdream.org/buyingwisely or
contact: [email protected]
As a frequent customer in your store, I would love for your business to participate in the Center for a New American Dream’s Resource Guide for Buying
Wisely project! The participation of your business would truly show your
commitment to the well-being of our community and concern for our shared
environment and resources.
For project and participation details visit: www.newdream.org/buyingwisely or
contact: [email protected]
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• Main Library: 615 Church St., 615.862.5800
•Richland Park Library: 4711 Charlotte Ave., 615.862.5870
Special Thanks
In conjunction with Nashville Urban Harvest and New American
Dream, this guide was made possible by the tireless effort of many volunteers that included: Alesandra Bellos, Sarah Bellos, Hilary Higginbotham, Kathryn Joyce, Kate Lassiter, Jeff Middlebrooks, and Mark Wise.
For more information on Nashville Urban Harvest, please visit: www.
nashvillurbanharvest.org. To request another copy of this guide, please
visit: www.buylocalnashville.com.
About New American Dream
New American Dream helps Americans consume wisely for a better
world. In a society often fixated on “more,” we focus on more of what
matters – a cleaner environment, a higher quality of life, and a greater
commitment to justice. For more information about our organization,
please visit: www.newdream.org.
As a small nonprofit, we heavily rely on the generous support of others
to fund our work. If you enjoyed this buying guide and/or the vision we
represent, please consider making a tax-deductible donation at:
www.newdream.org/donateguide or call us toll-free at:
1.877.68.DREAM.
Help Us Out
If you’re interested in getting involved with the New American Dream
and our various campaigns (including additional local buying guides),
please contact [email protected] or call us at: 1.877.68.DREAM.
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Rental Shops
•Art Pancake’s Rent All: 5025 Nolensville Rd., 615.832.1234
• Hardin Party Supplies & Rental: 3105 Clarksville Pike #B.,
615.254.7311
• Rent-A-Center: 5402 Charlotte Pike, 615.383.7368
Repair shops
Bicycles
•The Bike Peddler: 2910 West End Ave., 615.329.2453
• Cumberland Transit: 2807 West End Ave. Ste. C, 615.321.4069
• Nashville Bicycle Company: 2817 W End Ave., 615.321.5510
Clothing
•Village Bridal Inc.: 1814 21st Ave. S.
•Village Cleaners: 2010 Acklen Ave.
Footwear
•Golden Boot Shoe Repairing: 2817 West End Ave., 615.320.5223
• Peabody Shoe Repair: 1807 21st Ave. S., 615.292.5214
Thrift stores
• Designer Renaissance: 2822 Bransford Ave., 615.297.8822
• Flashback: 2204 Elliston Pl. Ste. F., 615.321.5326
• Goodwill Outlet: 905 Ninth Ave. N., 615.346.1600
• Goodwill Sotre: 5412 Charlotte Ave., 615.463.8465
• Habitat for Humanity Home Store:
1001 Eighth Ave. S., 615.254.6300
• Local Honey Vintage Clothing: 1207 Linden Ave.
• My Sister’s Closet: 4012 Hillsboro Pike, 615.279.0802
• Pieces Vintage Clothing: 211 Louise Ave., 615.329.3537
• Pre to Post Modern: 2110 Eighth Ave. S., 615.292.1958
• Southern Thrift Store: 5010 Charlotte Pike, 615.292.1807
• Venus & Mars Silvery Moon: 2830 Bransford Ave., 615.269.8357
• Vintage Nashville: 1817 21st Ave. S.
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Step 2: Look Local Category
Business Scoring over 50
(or top three per category)
Overall
% Score
Save
Some
Look
Local
Go
Green
Coffeeshops
Portland Brew: 2605 12th
Ave. S. & 3431 Murphy Rd.
74
JJJ
JJJJJ
JJJJ
The Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse: 2509 12th Ave. S.
70
JJJ
JJJJJ
JJJ
Bongo Java: 2007 Belmont Blvd.
53
J
JJJJJ
JJJ
Fidos: 1812 21st Ave. S.
53
J
JJJJJ
JJJ
Electronics
Electronic Express: 2714 West End Ave.
37
J
JJJ
JJJ
Grocery
Stores
Produce Place: 400 Murphy Rd.
68
JJJ
JJJJ
JJJJ
Corrieri’s Formaggeria:
1110 Carothers Ave.
54
JJ
JJJJ
JJJ
Hardware
Hillsboro Hardware: 2204 21st Ave. S.
79
JJJJ
JJJJJ
JJJJ
Office Supplies
Social Graces:
1704 21st Ave.
45
J
JJJJ
JJJ
Taylor Office Products: 1703 Portland Ave.
35
J
JJJJ
JJ
P.M.: 2017 Belmont Blvd.
54
JJ
JJJJJ
JJ
Las Paletas: 2907 12th Ave. S, Ste. 2
52
J
JJJJJ
JJJ
Corrieri’s Formaggeria:
1110 Carothers Ave.
48
JJJ
JJJ
JJJ
Tin Angel: 3201 West End Ave.
48
J
JJJJ
JJJ
Cumberland Transit: 2807 West End Ave.
33
J
JJJJ
JJ
The Bike Peddler: 2910
West End Ave.
33
J
JJJJ
JJ
Athlete’s House: 1700 Portland Ave.
27
J
JJJJ
JJ
If we say we want a vibrant local economy, healthy downtown areas,
less sprawling development into our outlying green spaces, and good
jobs for our neighbors, then we need to look for opportunities to put
our money where our mouths are.
Why
• $100 spent at a big box retailer generates only $14 in local spending
by the retailer. $100 spent at a locally owned business generates $45
dollars in local spending.
• Vegetables travel an average 2,000 miles to their final destination,
requiring 70,000 truckloads and 20 million gallons of fuel per year.
Upon arrival, 25% of the produce is spoiled or otherwise discarded.
How
• Buy a summer share in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
- see below.
• Shop at farmers’ markets, co-ops, or supermarkets that clearly mark
whether the produce was grown within a 100 mile radius.
• When possible, shop at locally owned businesses.
• Join a Localvore group in your area (see page 7) and commit to eating one local meal each day for a month.
Where
Locally Owned Grocery Stores:
• Plumgood Food: 10 Cannery Rd., (provides online organic grocery
delivery)
• Produce Place: 400 Murphy Rd., 615.383.2664
• Turnip Truck Natural Market: 970 Woodland St., 615.650.3600
. From ILSR, www.newrules.org/retail/midcoaststudy.pdf
. From The Ecologist, “Crossing the Creek To Fetch Water - long distance-hauling of
produce pollutes the environment,” February 2001
Restaurants
& Cafes
Sporting/
Bikes
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Putting It All Together
We surveyed 38 businesses in our community and compared how
they performed in each of our three categories (save, local, and
green). The highest-scoring businesses in each category are listed
below. We also invite you to check out the full results with every surveyed business and our methodology at: www.newdream.org/buyingwisely.
JJJJJ - Businesses meeting 90-100% of the criteria
JJJJ - Businesses meeting 66-89%
JJJ- Businesses meeting 35-65%
JJ - Businesses meeting 11-34%
J - Businesses meeting 0-10%
Category
Business Scoring over 50
(or top three per category)
Overall
% Score
Save
Some
Look
Local
Go
Green
Arts & Entertainment
Cosmic Connections: 1701 Portland Ave.
79
JJJJJ
JJJJ
JJJJ
The Art House: 2306 12th Ave. S.
67
JJJ
JJJJ
JJ
The Belcourt Theatre: 2102 Belcourt Ave.
50
J
JJJJJ
JJJ
Old Hickory Credit Union:
444 Enos Reed Rd.
52
J
JJJ
JJJJJ
Cornerstone Financial:
1701 21st Ave.
19
J
JJJ
J
Rhino Booksellers: 1006 Granny White
75
JJJJJ
JJJJJ
JJ
Cosmic Connections: 1701 Portland Ave.
65
JJJJ
JJJJ
JJJ
Bookman/Bookwoman:
1713 21st Ave. S
57
JJJ
JJJJ
JJJ
Scarlett Begonia: 2805 West End Ave.
72
JJJ
JJJJ
JJJJ
Vintage: 1817 21st Ave. S.
62
JJJ
JJJJ
JJJ
Pangea: 1721 21st Ave. S.
60
JJJ
JJJJJ
JJ
Banks
Bookstores
Clothing &
Footwear
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CSA Farms:
• Delvin Farms: College
Grove, TN, 615.395.4566
www.delvinfarms.com,
(Spring-Fall)
• Eaton’s Creek Organics:
Joelton, TN, 615.299.0979
www.ecoorganics.net
(Year-Round)
• Hill and Hollow Farm:
Edmonton, KY, 270.432.0567,
www.hillandhollowfarm.com
(Spring-Fall)
• Long Hungry Creek Farm:
Red Boiling Springs, TN,
615.699.2493, www.barefootfarmer.com, (Spring-Fall)
• Peaceful Pastures: Hickman, TN, 615.683.4291
www.peacefulpastures.com, (Year-round)
• Rocky Glade Farm: Eagleville, TN, 615.274.3496
http://rockygladefarm.com, (Year-round)
• Three Meadows Farm, LLC: Columbia, TN, 931.380.1146
www.threemeadowsfarmllc.com
Farmers’ Markets:
• Franklin Farmers’ Market: 230 Franklin Rd., Franklin, TN
www.franklinfarmersmarket.org, Saturdays, 8am-12pm, May-Oct.
• Nashville Farmers’ Market: 900 8th Ave. N., 615.880.2001
www.nashvillefarmersmarket.org
• Public Square Farmers’ Market: 3rd & Union (downtown)
www.nashvilleurbanharvest.org, Thursdays, 11am-3pm, May-Oct.
• Whites Creek Organic Farmers’ Makret: Earthman’s General Store,
4409 Whites Creek Pike, Whites Creek, TN,
[email protected]
• Wild Oats Marketplace Farmers’ Market: 3909 Hillsboro Pike,
Tuesday 4-7pm
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Step 3: Go Green
Consuming is a necessity for us to survive, but responsible and conscious consuming allows for the survival of others as well. Everything
we buy has an impact on both the workers that brought it to you and
on the natural resources that were used in production. Making consumer choices that are fair to people and the planet will allow all our
future communities to benefit from Earth’s natural resources!
Why
• The United States has 4% of the world’s population but emits 22%
of the world’s greenhouse gases, mostly due to our electricity and
transportation choices.
• As products from compact fluorescent light bulbs to fair trade coffee become even more available and affordable, being a conscious
consumer continues to get easier and easier.
How
• It’s easy to get overwhelmed, so start with a short list of goods and
services that you buy on a regular basis and see if you can shift them
in a green direction.
• Give special consideration to times when you make major consumer
decisions and thus impact people and the planet much more than
you do on an average day. This might include anything from a new
refrigerator to a new home.
Where
• We’ve compiled a list of 10 common products and nine major purchases with major impacts including where you can find options that
are best for people and the planet (see page 10)
• If local options aren’t available in your area, check out our
Conscious Consumer Marketplace at: www.newdream.org/consumer
www.eia.doe.gov and www.census.gov/ipc/www/world.html
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7. Home Renovation and Remodeling
Look for: Energy efficient and non-toxic alternatives to conventional products
Why: Remodeling can actually save energy and resources, especially if it’s
conducted after an energy audit.
Where: Energy audits
Nashville Home Energy Solutions: Sylvan Heights, 615.292.0393
Do-it-yourself energy audit: www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/
Where: Green Building and Renovation
Habitat For Humanity HomeStore (2 locations): 1001 Eighth Ave. S. 615.254.6300 ext 563 & 908 Division St. 615.254.4663
For more information: www.newdream.org/consumer/improvement.php
8. Energy/Electricity
Look for: Alternative energy options from your current energy provider
Why: Once you’ve reduced your energy consumption, renewable energy and
offsets are great ways to take care of the rest.
Where Renewable energy and offsets programs
Tennessee Valley Authority: www.energyright.com/savingenergy/index.htm
Nashville Home Energy Solutions: Sylvan Heights, 615.292.0393
EPA: www.epa.gov/greenpower/locator/index.htm
For more information:
www.newdream.org/consumer/carbon.php
www.newdream.org/consumer/energy.php
9. Travel
Look for: Eco-Travel or Sustainable Travel certifications
Why: Tourism is the world’s largest and fastest-growing industry with total
spending of over $500 billion per year, yet air travel is extremely polluting
and hotels and tours can have a major impact too. Fortunately, there are ways
to alleviate these impacts.
Where:
EcoTour Directory: www.ecotourdirectory.com
G.A.P. Adventures: www.gapadventures.com/sustainable_tourism/sustainable_tourism
ResponsibleTravel.com: www.responsibletravel.com
Solimar Travel: www.solimartravel.com, 202.518.6193
For more information: www.newdream.org/consumer/travel.php
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4. Computers
Look for: EPEAT certification
Why: Some manufacturers do a better job than others of designing energy
efficient computers, handling toxic waste, and facilitating the safe disposal of
obsolete equipment.
Businesses that sell Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified
wood end products like furniture:
• Nature Neutral: www.natureneutral.com, 800.656.1961
J
J
Where:
For more information: www.epeat.net/companies.aspx
5. Furniture and Wood Products
Look for: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification
Why: Americans use about 27 percent of the wood commercially harvested
worldwide, often through clearcuts that devastate forests, soil quality, and
the climate. Fortunately, FSC-certified products protect workers and forests.
Where:
For more information: www.newdream.org/consumer/wood.php
6. Home Purchasing
Look for: An appropriately sized and located living space
Why: The biggest purchase of your life also dictates how far you’ll drive and
how much gas, electricity, and heating fuel you’ll use for years to come.
Renewable energy from utilities & carbon offset programs:
• Nashville Electric Service (Green Power Switch campaign): 615.747.3981
www.tva.com/greenpowerswitch/green_formres.htm
• www.newdream.org/consumer/energy.php
• www.newdream.org/consumer/carbon.php
J
J Eco travel agencies with sustainable vacations & carbon offset:
• The International Ecotourism Society:
www.ecotourism.org, 202.347.9203
J
Where:
Village Real Estate: 2206 21st Ave. S., www.villagerealestate.com/cms
Energy Efficient Mortgages: www.energystar.gov (search “mortgage” to learn
about receiving a larger mortgage for energy efficient improvements)
Co-op America: www.coopamerican.org (search “home renovation” for a
great article on green home improvements)
Not So Big House: www.notsobighouse.com
LEED green building professionals who received accreditation:
• US Green Building Council Listing: www.usgbc.org
(click on LEED AP on top bar, then click on LEED AP
Directory from left side column)
Energy Audit Information:
• Do-it-yourself energy audit: http://hes.lbl.gov
• Home Energy Tune-uP: www.hometuneup.com
Incentives/Rebates to help pay for an energy audit:
• Energy Incentives in the form of federal tax credits:
www.newspower.com/energy_incentives_chart.aspx
• Low income weatherization program:
www.eere.energy.gov/weatherization
J
For more information: www.newdream.org/newsletter/greenhome.php
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9
10 Products You Use Every Week,
Their Impact, and the Best Options
1. Coffee
Look for: Certified fair-trade, certified organic, shade-grown coffee
Why: Shade-grown, organic coffee preserves bird habitats and soil quality
while protecting workers and consumers from toxic chemicals. Fair trade
ensures livable/fair and stable wages.
Where: Brewing at home & Cups on the Run
Portland Brew: 2605 12th Ave. S. & 3431 Murphy Rd.
The Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse: 2509 12th Ave. S.
Bongo Java: 2007 Belmont Blvd.
Find more online at: www.newdream.org/consumer/buycoffee.php
2. Produce
Look for: Local, certified organic
Why: Buying local food not only helps local farmers thrive, it reduces energy
consumption by minimizing distances traveled between grower and eater.
Local food is often safer, too. Even when the food isn’t organic, small farms
tend to be less aggressive than large factory farms about dousing their wares
with chemicals.
Major Purchases, Major Impact
Nine Big-Ticket Items
1. Appliances
Look for: Energy Star
Why: Choosing Energy Star refrigerators, dehumidifiers, and other appliances
can lower greenhouse gas emissions and save you thousands of dollars in
electricity costs.
Where
Electronic Express: 2714 West End Ave.
For more information:
www.energystar.gov (store locator)
www.newdream.org/consumer/appliances.php
2. Banking and Finance
Look for: Institutions that invest locally, offer socially responsible funds, and
adhere to an anti-predatory lending policy Why: Banks and credit unions that lend responsibly help us consume responsibly; socially responsible investments help our life savings build a better
world.
Where:
Old Hickory Credit Union: 444 Enos Reed Rd., www.ohcu.org
For more information: www.newdream.org/consumer/sri.php
3. Bikes and Cars
Produce Place: 400 Murphy Rd.
Check out your local farmers’ markets on page 7.
Look for: Bike type that matches your use and vehicles with at least a 30
miles/gallon rating
Why: Choosing a sturdy commuter bike or a vehicle that’s greenest in its class
will impact the planet and your pocketbook for years to come.
Where: Organic on the town The Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse: 2509 12th Ave. S.
Provence Breads and Café: 1705 21st Ave. N.
Tayst Restaurant and Wine Bar: 2100 21st Ave.
Where: Bikes
Cumberland Transit: 2807 West End Ave.
The Bike Peddler: 2910 West End Ave.
Where: Organic for home
Find more online at: www.newdream.org/consumer/marketplace.php
10
For more information:
www.greenercars.com
www.newdream.org/consumer/cars.php
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9. Clothing
3. Seafood
Look for: Used, certified organic and fair trade, and union-made certification
Why: Conventional cotton farming is one of agriculture’s most environmentally destructive activities. Cotton uses approximately 25 percent of the
world’s insecticides and more than 10 percent of the pesticides. Sweatshops
manufacture clothing using unfair labor standards. Though no “sweatshopfree” certification exists, there are many companies that are very conscious
of the conditions in which their products are made, select only manufacturers
with established unions, and maintain ongoing relationships with union leaders. Fair trade certification ensures that a product made was produced under
these minimum labor standards.
Look for: Environmentally preferable
Why: Nearly 70 percent of the world’s fisheries are fully fished or overfished,
while some fish farms regularly spill pesticides that poison local communities
and destroy vital coastal buffers. Fortunately for seafood lovers, safe choices
do exist.
Where: Thrift and Repair stores
Flip back to page 5.
Where: Retail
Scarlett Begonia: 2805 West End Ave.
Vintage: 1817 21st Ave. S.
Find more online at:
www.newdream.org/consumer/cotton.php
www.newdream.org/consumer/clothing.php
Where:
Plumgood Natural Food Delivery: http://plumgood.com
Wild Oats Natural Marketplace: 3909 Hillsboro Pike
For a guide to choosing sustainable seafood options wherever you may find
them, please check out the following seafood guides:
www.mbayaq.org (click on “Seafood Watch” at the bottom of page)
www.oceansalive.org (click on “Seafood Choices” or “list of smart seafood”)
Find more online at: www.newdream.org/consumer/seafood.php
4. Lightbulbs
10. Local Transportation
Look for: Ways to minimize solo driving
Why: The greenest car, and the one that saves you the most at the pump, is
the one that sits in your driveway while you use other means of travel.
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Look for: Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)
Why: Just by changing a few lightbulbs, New Dreamers have already reduced
their CO2 emissions by 2 million pounds and saved a collective $40,000 in
electricity costs!
Where: Transit schedules
Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority bus system: www.nashvillemta.org
Where:
Hillsboro Hardware: 2204 21st Ave. S.
Find more online at: www.newdream.org/consumer/cars.php
Find more online at: www.newdream.org/consumer/cfl.php
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5. Office Paper
7. Personal Care
Look for: Green Seal and/or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification or
at least 60% post-consumer waste, process-chlorine free
Why: The world’s forests and climate are feeling the strain as global consumption of paper, a very energy intensive product, has increased 74% since
1980. The good news is that recycled paper saves trees and energy.
Look for: Certified organic, cruelty and paraben-free, and/or natural products
Why: Beyond the message of excessive consumption, there are also health
and environmental concerns. Liver and kidney damage can be caused when
our skin absorbs these chemicals, which are often petroleum-based. These
products contribute to the environmental destruction associated with mining
and refining.
Where: Making copies and buying by the ream
Taylor Office Products: 1703 Portland Ave.
Where:
Find more online at:
Green Seal: www.greenseal.org/findaproduct
FSC-certified paper: www.fscus.org/paper
Produce Place: 400 Murphy Rd.
Wild Oats Natural Marketplace: 3909 Hillsboro Pike
Find more online at: www.newdream.org/consumer/personalcare.php
8. Cleaning Products
6. Paper Products (plates, napkins, toilet paper, etc.)
Look for: Green Seal certification, at least 60% post-consumer waste, and/or
paper that has been processed chlorine-free
Why: The U.S., with five percent of the world’s population, consumes 30% of
the world’s paper. Switching from virgin paper to reusable and recycled options can make a real difference.
Where: For the Home
Produce Place: 400 Murphy Rd.
Wild Oats Natural Marketplace: 3909 Hillsboro Pike
Find more online at: www.newdream.org/consumer/paper.php
Green Seal: www.greenseal.org/findaproduct
Look for: Non-toxic, biodegradable, and free of ethylene diamine tetraacetic
acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid, phosphates and any phosphate derivatives,
and full disclosure
Why: Many common cleaners contain unnecessary environmental toxins
and chemicals associated with cancer, reproductive disorders, respiratory
ailments, eye or skin irritation, and other serious human health issues. Indoor
air pollution, some of which is linked to cleaning product exposure, is ranked
among the nation’s top five environmental risks.
Where:
The following brands emphasize non-toxic ingredients and full disclosure: Earth Friendly Products, Ecover, Mountain Green, Naturally Yours, Planet,
Seaside Naturals, Seventh Generation. Plumgood Food: 10 Cannery Rd.
Wild Oats Natural Marketplace: 3909 Hillsboro Pike
Find more online at: www.newdream.org/consumer/cleaners.php
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