Copyright © 2007 GreenOfaKind

Where can I find all this "stuff" and why?

By "stuff" we mean sustainable products and services. Sustainable environmentally, socially, and most likely economically. All this means is that it's healthier for the environment, it was manufactured and paid for fairly in a global marketplace (no sweat shops), and will generally last longer or make the most of your money's worth.

So where can we find these? Mostly the internet but that's changing and changing fast. For example, it wasn't that long ago when we weren't able to buy organic products in the major supermarkets - but growing demand commanded a change and the market followed. Same with "alternative" building materials. Major lumber chains now carry supplies of bamboo for flooring and general building. "Soon" we'll be able to go into our own large store and not even have to think about "right" choices because the rising demand for quality sustainable products. It is vital to let the store manager know that you are requesting them to carry a certain type of product. They have the purchasing power to buy it cheaper in bulk and with enough demand, they will listen. But what to do until then?

Most likely you will have to turn to the computer and have it shipped. We understand that shipping is a negative factor so to reduce that, perhaps buying it in bulk would minimize that impact. Getting several people's needs together would also assist. Perhaps a deal can be stricken with the supplier if the demand is great enough! We're talking mostly about household items that you would ordinarily find in supermarkets. From biodegradable trash bags to safe drink-ware, everything you'd ever need is available in the United States - sometimes manufactured closer to us than we might think but they do not have the distribution capabilities to proliferate.

We've created a dedicated Household Items page where you can get a good start on fulfilling your shopping list with harder to find items. This page lists the most commonly used items that people request.

Digital items are such things as HDTVs, music, and computers that are commonly found in specialty big-box stores. In there, we discuss the differences between items and why we advise choosing those over others.

The major question is "why." Why should anyone buy a certain way than what we've already been doing? Are we taking freedom away from shopping? Are we taking away choices we've had before? Convenience? etc.

You have the option to shop any way you like, we're just adding more options than what you've had available before. Options means choices, and choices means education in what we're buying. Everything we list we try and give you a feedback of what makes that product or type of product different from the one at the store. You will be buying based on experience, not necessity! In fact, most of us are forced to shop a certain way by the store's purchasing preferences, not the other way around. For example, if the store decided to only carry Heinz brand ketchup, we have no other option but to grab that off the shelf because chances are, we won't be driving to another store for an alternative-brand. That's selection. What about quality?

We've discussed the anatomy of many types of food in Awareness Central from organic products to meat. We discussed what made them different in quality over others. Once we learn and appreciate the importance of quality and its long-term benefits, we try and seek it out. We can ask for it by name or type rather than simply grabbing the first item available off the shelf. This is self-respect - you are buying based on your values towards yourself - values gained by what you've learned and how you and everyone can benefit.

Convenience - how is this defined by you? Is it defined by the speed of shopping? In/out and you've got all that you need from one place. Is it defined by brand-security, a name that you've relied on for many years (convenience of not having to pick an alternative)? Regardless of how it is defined, it's a major component in people shopping a certain way - many just to get it over with! But you're now equipped with information - information that warrants a greater effort based on found importance! Yes, some priorities shifted! We will find a greater importance in what we buy and eat because we found out that we're in it for the long-haul - not a temporary shortcut. We found out that we do need to care more so our time in the store (or shopping in general), will take some more time - to get the best for what we now value. In this sense, convenience is not accurate because then convenience means "we don't care" and inconvenient means "we do." That's incorrect. We do care and we still need to make it accessible to everyone as easily as possible.

Based on your new knowledge, your shopping list will look different. That's good! It means you're allowing yourself to adapt based on experience. With your "different" shopping list and the tools you have available to get them, you create a new set of shopping-standards for yourself. One that does what it means and fulfills all needs.