Your Purchasing Power and Energy Independence
By Nikki Roemmer, The Green Spot, Central Oregon Environmental Center
American consumers have an
extraordinary number of choices when shopping for products and
services. The key to linking your purchasing power to energy
independence is to think before you buy. Has the business that you are about to support
considered their impact on the environment? Is the product you are about to buy packed in
styrofoam, wrapped in cellophane and then put in a bag for easy
carrying? Was it shipped here from
China? These are the questions that
impact energy independence in the marketplace. The following are some ways you can use your
purchasing power to create an energy independent
community.
Support Businesses that Care
Every business and consumer has a choice in how they support the economy. Many local businesses choose a renewable energy option through their power provider, while some businesses go solar and take advantage of sunny Central Oregon. Others make a difference by providing bicycle delivery for their products or making deliveries in cars fueled by biodiesel. Businesses like these can be found on www.thegreenspot.organd by supporting them you are directly supporting an energy independent future for our community.
Think Before You Eat
Supporting local farmers can save an incredible amount of energy. Not only is the produce incredibly fresh and delicious, by purchasing food grown close to home you greatly reduce fuel consumption. In addition, local farmers use little to no packaging which saves energy and waste generated by the production of styrofoam and shrink wrap you often see used in grocery store products.
It is also important to consider that of all the fossil fuels consumed in the United States, 1/3 are used in animal production. Eating smaller portions of meat, preferably from local growers can really make an impact on the level of energy consumption in America. A good choice when dining out is to patronize restaurants that serve local produce and meats so that you can enjoy a delicious meal and feel good about where you are spending your dollars. Find a complete listing of such restaurants at www.thegreenspot.org.
Support Local Businesses
With every purchase we make we are communicating to the marketplace what consumers prefer to buy. In essence, we vote for an environmentally sustainable marketplace when we purchase local products. Local products reduce fuel consumption and save energy through minimized packaging production. Buy local when possible or seek out products that are at least made in the United States and we can begin to move forward down the path to energy independence.
Make Your Spot a Green Spot
Central Oregonians are fortunate to have a directory specifically featuring local businesses that are more environmentally sustainable than conventional businesses. The Green Spot is a comprehensive directory of local green business listings, from Auto Services to Yard & Garden Supplies to restaurants. Go to www.thegreenspot.organd visit our Green Purchasing Directory. Exercise your purchasing power and start making your purchases count for energy independence.
