How do everyday purchases impact our watershed? From our choice in garden plants (water demand, spread of non-native seeds) to large appliances (energy production can lead to air pollution and climate change), making simple changes in our purchasing habits can have a substantial impact on our environment. A few things to consider on your next shopping trip:

• Is the product reusable? Recyclable or contain recycled material?
• Are the raw materials derived from a renewable resource?
• Does the product produce pollution?
• Does the product require special disposal due to hazardous or other properties?
• Does its production benefit the local economy?
• How far did the product have to travel to get to you?
• Purchase resource efficient products with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), high recycled content, and durability.

Look for the One Percent for the Planet logo – this means companies are donating 1% of total annual income to environmental non-profits.

Food How far does your food travel before it gets to your table and what effect does this have on climate change?

Clothing Check out “The Responsible Company: What We’ve Learned from Patagonia’s 40 Years” by Yvon Chouinard & Vincent Stanley.

Paper Products and Office Supplies If your office does not have a Recycled Products Purchasing Policy, why not start one?

Restaurants Clean Bay Certified Restaurants go above and beyond what the law requires to keep litter and pollution out of the ocean.