by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

At least some of us have been at this green business for a long time. The rest of us could use all the help we can get. And, it’s that time of year again - when we’re programmed to buy more stuff. What really is the bottom line to sustainable consumerism? Well, as we all know, the greenest products are the ones you don’t buy. So, don’t buy what you don’t need and give lots of thought to what you do need and buy to last.

While we’re at it, think relationship in all that you do and acquire, because it will build meaning and purpose back into our lives. Oh, yes, it will make the world more fair, more kind and more sustainable - in some cases, it’s this simple.

But, there’s a lot of information even well-intentioned consumers still need. Fortunately, it’s available from many sources. One of the purchases I needed to make recently were laptop batteries and charger. And with just a tiny bit of attention and effort, I found the GreenPeace Guide to Greener Electronics. I was able to compare electronic companies and products regarding both use of chemicals and recycling programs. The entire site is really helpful and answers all the questions that had already begun to form in my head, like these.

This Guide was established in August of 2006, with the goal of driving both consumer awareness and the top manufacturers to address all the issues of E-Waste. Most of the companies have taken the challenge seriously and are making strides in both areas. Learn who and how here.

You say you haven’t looked at GreenPeace lately? You’re missing out on past, future and present history, as well as a shipload of information! It all began in 1971 with a vision for a peaceful and green world - yes, these activists have always been ahead of the times and they’ve stayed that way. Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Greenpeace now has 2.8 million supporters worldwide, with offices in 41 countries, passionately prioritizing global environmental campaigns.

GreenPeace covers alot of green ground. If you want the here and now when it comes to the ecology and economy, read Deep Green monthly here, where Rex Weyler of GreenPeace reminds us, it’s “Homeostasis or Collapse. Then for the really important stuff, he adds, “Don’t get depressed. Get Informed. And get active.”

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 9th, 2008 at 2:50 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.