This list compiled by the Orange County chapter of ReclaimDemocracy.org. Contact Steve Spanier at fwysngrns@cox.net or 949-654-7500 with comments, suggestions, and additions or deletions. Business Type Business Name
LISTINGS
Last Revised: 4/8/2007
Address (Physical or Web)
City
Phone
Notes
Architecture
AMD Architecture Design Forward Stamper Whitin Works 100 Fires Bookman Too The Book Baron Girl Talk Clothing Assistance League Chez Elle Resale Boutique Discovery Shop Humanitaire Patagonia American Apparel Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Higher Grounds Trading Co. Prestige Cleaners Larsen's Cleaners Adams Cleaners Celebrity Green Cleaners Any local, independent retailer Costco NativeEnergy LLC Real Goods (owned by Gaiam) Energy Efficiency Solar Western Federal Credit Union Orange County Credit Union Pacific Community Credit Union Clearinghouse CDFI New Resource Bank Calvert Domini Parnassus New Alternatives Fund Pax World Funds Green Century Funds Portfolio 21 Contribucheck Working Assets credit card Progressive Asset Management
www.amdarchitecture.com www.designforward.net www.stamperwhitinworks.com www.100fires.com 19111 Beach Blvd. 1236 South Magnolia Ave. 412 N. Coast Hwy. www.assistanceleague.org 3601 Jamboree Rd. 2600 E. Coast Hwy. 2937 S. Bristol St., Ste. A-101A www.patagonia.com www.americanapparel.net www.greenmountaincoffee.com www.highergroundstrading.com 23411 Laguna Hills, Ste. E 16585 Von Karman Ave., #F 9033 Adams Ave. www.celebritycleaners.com
Salt Lake City, UT Pasadena Laguna Beach Arcata Huntington Beach Anaheim Laguna Beach Several Newport Beach Corona del Mar Costa Mesa Ventura Los Angeles Waterbury, VT Lake Leelanau, MI Aliso Viejo Irvine Huntington Beach Several
801-322-3053 Earth-friendly and sustainable architecture 626-796-2566 Promotes use of straw bale construction, sustainable design, green building 949-497-8298 Sustainable landscape architecture, urban design and planning 707-443-4483 Extraordinary books (and more) for a healthy planet 714-596-1999 Used books 714-527-7022 SoCal's largest used and rare book store; www.bookbaron.com 949-497-4005 Several 949-757-1555 949-640-4777 714-708-3386 800-638-6464 Relatively inexpensive day and evening outfits Thrift stores in many OC cities Shop Friday mornings for extra special customer service Cruelty-free shopping for garments, shoes, etc. Active clothing and outdoor gear; very socially conscious Sweatshop-free cotton clothing manufactured in LA; highest industry wages
Books
Clothing
Coffee
888-879-4627 Often selected as one of the best companies in the country 877-825-2262 Hand-crafted, fair trade, organic coffees and gifts from farmer-owned co-ops 949-362-2722 949-474-8984 714-962-7590 Several Uses GreenEarth (silicon-based) cleaning method Uses GreenEarth (silicon-based) cleaning method Uses GreenEarth (silicon-based) cleaning method Uses GreenEarth (silicon-based) cleaning method Tough to find these Pretty good as big-boxes go, with an excellent exchange/return program
Dry Cleaning
Electronics/ Technology Energy Reduction
www.costco.com www.nativeenergy.com/coop www.gaiam.com www.eesolar.com 4520 Barranca Pkwy. www.orangecountyscu.org www.yourcreditunion.com 23861 El Toro Rd., Ste. 401 www.newresourcebank.com www.calvert.com www.domini.com www.parnassus.com www.newalternativesfund.com www.paxworld.com www.greencentury.com www.portfolio21.com www.contribucheck.com www.workingassets.com/creditcard www.progressive-asset.com
Many Charlotte, VT Hopland Pomona Irvine Several Several Lake Forest San Francisco Bethesda, MD Pawtucket, RI San Francisco Melville, NY Portsmouth, NH Boston, MA Portland, OR Washington DC San Francisco Oakland
Many
800-924-6826 Provides opportunities to offset your carbon footprint via investing 707-744-2017 Solar energy products 909-865-8561 Al Benoit's (energy efficiency specialist and RD person) business 877-254-9328 888-354-6228 800-656-2328 949-859-3600 415-995-8100 800-368-2748 800-582-6757 800-999-3505 800-423-8383 800-767-1729 800-934-7336 877-351-4115 800-782-0206 866-890-7387 800-786-2998 Must join Surfrider Foundation ($25 one time) Must live in Orange County Must live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in OC Community development lender Community development lender Socially responsible investments Socially responsible investments Socially responsible investments Socially responsible investments Socially responsible investments Socially responsible investments Global mutual fund focused on ecologically superior product companies Recycled personal, business, and laser checks printed with soy-based ink Donates $.10 from each purchase to non-profit groups Socially responsible investments
Financial
Florist
Organic Bouquet Blue Orchid Flower Shop South Coast Farms Farmers Markets Farmers Markets Organic Express Pure Prarie Organic Beef Company Bandera Grassland Trader Joe's Mother's Market Plowboys Market Zinc Café and Market Clif Bar & Co. Equal Exchange Amy's Kitchen Apple A Day Health Food Co Village Bakery The Lost Bean Artisana Nut Butters Slow Food USA Health Works and Original Food Bistro Furnature On Consignment The Great Exchange Consignment Co. Home Consignment Center Costco stores Shell BP ITL USA Grown Fuel Aroma Naturals, Inc. Truehaft's Fine Jewelry Bill's Camera California Greetings The HB Store Carr's Trophies and Engraving A Greater Gift Third World Gifts and Handarts Fair Trade Products Ace Hardware True Value Hardware Triad Yoga Advantage Physical Therapy J and J Massage Sri Eknath Easwaran
www.organicbouquet.com 305 S. Main St. 32701 Alipaz St. www.orange.cfbf.com/cfm.htm www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets www.organicexpress.com via www.southcoastfarms.com 1826 Peaceful Valley Rd. www.traderjoes.com www.mothersmarket.com 8930 Warner Ave. 3222 E. Coast Hwy. www.clifbar.com www.equalexchange.com www.amys.com 14310 Culver Dr. #E 2937 Bristol St. 13011 Newport Ave. #104 www.premierorganics.org www.slowfoodusa.org 27271-A La Paz Rd. www.furnature.com 1190 Glenneyre 976 S. Coast Hwy 18910 Teller Ave. www.costco.com www.shell.com www.bp.com 8330 Atlantic Ave. 4395 Glencoe Avenue 1202 McGaw Ave 4630 Barranca Pkwy. 6019 Warner Ave 301 Main St., #110 301 Main St., #108 22762 Aspan St., #204 www.agreatergift.org 152 N. Glassel St. www.fair-trade-products.com www.acehardware.com www.truevalue.com 2626 Dupont Dr., Ste. A20 24551 Raymond Way By Appt. Only - with Janine B. www.easwaran.org
Orange
877-899-2468 Sourced from growers committed to high environmental standards 714-538-8383 Community supported agriculture Lists places and times of all Farmers' Markets in Orange County USDA site listing farmer's markets across the nation Organic food delivered in Northern and Southern CA
Food (produce)
San Juan Capistrano Several Several San Francisco 310-674-2642 Ashley, ND Bandera, TX Many Several Fountain Valley Corona del Mar Berkeley W. Bridgewater, MA Santa Rosa Irvine Costa Mesa Tustin Berkeley Brooklyn, NY Laguna Niguel Watertown, MA Laguna Beach Laguna Beach Irvine Many Many Many Cudahy Marina del Rey Irvine Irvine Huntington Beach Huntington Beach Huntington Beach Lake Forest Madison, WI Orange Irvine Many Many Irvine Lake Forest Tomales
Food (meat/dairy)
Coming in 2007; linked with South Coast Farms 830-562-2333 Grassfed Texas Longhorn beef; completely organic Many Good selection of organic meat and dairy Natural and organic foods and other products Natural and organic foods and other products Foods for breakfast, lunch, and dessert 100% organic and natural fruit and nut bars 100% fairly traded products for 20 years Over 70 organic products; frozen meals may be found at Mother's Market Pleasant, well-stocked little store with knowledgeable, progressive owners Decidedly upscale confections Organic coffe and tea Delicious organic nut butters Supports and celebrates the food traditions of North America
Food (Other)
714-847-5762 949-719-9462 800-254-3227 774-776-7333 707-578-7188 949-651-1141 714-751-2220 714-544-2584 510-875-2146 718-260-8000 949-831-9777 800-326-4895 949-497-3700 949-464-9119 949-250-0326 Many Many Many
Furniture
Organic, chemical-free, sustainable furniture, mattresses, and bedding Furnishings and accessories, jewelry, art, feng shui consulting Antiques, collectibles, furniture, art, pottery, decorator items and jewelry Twelve locations, CA and NV Relatively good employment practices for a big-box store Relatively good clean energy programs for an oil company Relatively good clean energy programs for an oil company 20% biodiesel at pumps; 99% biodiesel if bring own container 99% biodiesel at the pump Candles - handmade, all-natural, pure essential oil aromatherapy Independently owned for many years Family run Owned and run by Joe Shaw, progressive from HB Owned and run by Joe Shaw, progressive from HB Awards, engravings, sandblasting, gifts Fairly traded gifts from artisans in developing regions Operated by a friend of RD, Sarita Sidhu. Each Sat, at Farmer's Mkt, Irvine Despite popular misconception, all independently owned Despite popular misconception, all independently owned
Gasoline/Fuel
Gifts
949-263-1400 949-552-1955 714-847-4825 714-960-1688 714-960-1688 949-472-6227 800-423-0071 714-288-1434 949-202-6063 Many Many
Hardware
Health/Spiritual
949-724-1479 www.triadyogaca.com 949-305-8200 949-510-3642 Specializing in Swedish, deep tissue, and trigger point therapy 800-475-2369 Teaches an 8-point program for spiritual enlightenment
Holistic Health Options Home Construction/ ReStore Remodeling Western Roofing Systems Woodbridge Lock & Key Eco Home Center Natural Home Design Center Flooring Alternatives US Green Building Council, OC Path Design Household Products Lifekind Products, Inc. Mia Rose Products, Inc. Seventh Generation Gaiam Harmony Bean Products, Inc. Castleware Greenfeet Insurance Media Design Medications Capistrano Bay Insurance Agency JV Media Design Walnut Village Pharmacy El Toro Pharmacy The Druggist Medicine Shoppe Ramsey Rexall Drugs The Road Less Traveled The Living Temple H Toji and Company Access Communications Gaiam Reliable Contents Restoration Services Freecycle Yarn Lady Know More Polycube Media Peace Tax Fund Be The Cause Earth Friendly Moving
www.holistic-hope.net 2200 S. Ritchie St. 2031 E. Cerritos 7E www.ecohomecenter.com www.naturalhomeproducts.com www.flooringalternatives.com http://www.usgbc-oc.org/ 1824 North Ross St. www.lifekind.com 177-F Riverside Ave. www.seventhgeneration.com www.gaiam.com www.beanproducts.com www.castleware.com www.greenfeet.com 1010 Calle Cordillera, Ste. 105 2300 Fairview Rd., Ste. O-103 14433 Culver Dr. 24310 Moulton Pkwy. #G 16881 Algonquin St. 1001 S. El Camino Real #A 2246 Newport Blvd. 2202 1/2 N. Main St. 7561 Center Ave., #24 www.4adasigns.com www.4adasigns.com/ www.gaiam.com www.freecycle.org 24371 Avenida de las Carlota www.knowmore.org www.polycubemedia.com www.peacetaxfund.org www.bethecause.org www.earthfriendlymoving.com
El Cerrito Santa Ana Anaheim Irvine Durango, CO Santa Rosa Berkeley Santa Ana Grass Valley Newport Beach Burlington, VT Broomfield, CO Chicago, IL Eureka Chico San Clemente Costa Mesa Irvine Laguna Woods Huntington Beach San Clemente Costa Mesa Santa Ana Huntington Beach Long Beach Long Beach Broomfield, CO Tucson, AZ Laguna Hills Los Angeles Washington, DC Tustin Costa Mesa
510-232-5016 Holistic options to create a lifestyle supporting personal and planetary health Habitat for Humanity remodeling products Specialize in steel roofing Bob Kiewiet, owner Sustainable building supplies and healthy home décor Sustainable flooring Bamboo, cork, hardwoods, natural linoleum Advocates for a sustainable Orange County 949-939-4249 Interior design 800-284-4983 800-292-6339 802-658-3773 800-869-3603 800-726-8365 888-517-9505 888-562-8873 #1 retailer of organic mattresses and bedding Natural air freshening/cleaning products; 100% citrus essential oils Natural products for the home and people Filtration systems, heaters, fans, coolers, humidifiers Comfortable, durable, earth-friendly products for the home Home interior products made from natural organic fibers All sorts of household products 714-434-6202 714-778-5163 949-551-5877 970-259-8326 707-571-1229 877-639-1345
800-851-8204 Business, personal, life, health, including bonding 714-556-7468 High-end web, graphic, and multimedia design 949-551-4343 949-586-3664 714-846-0688 949-492-1050 949-6467744 714-836-8727 714-891-5117 562-423-6600 562-423-6600 303-222-3600 714-577-0441
Provides home delivery service Provides home delivery service Provides home delivery service Provides home delivery service
Miscellaneous
Environmental store focusing on eco-friendly lifestyle products Gourment and organic foods, organic clothing, books, videos Makes signs for disabled access Consulting business on disabled access Sustainable & ecological goods, services, and information Virtually any type of heavy-duty post-disaster household clean-up Members give and receive free things with other locals 949-770-7809 Incredible selection of different types of yarn; knitting classes also A search engine of ratings and information about corporations 213-216-8681 Media distribution using biodiesel trucks 888PEACETAXEnables conscientious objectors to direct fed. Taxes to non-military purposes 760-280-8073 An organization of individuals who create enriching opportunities for service 888-900-PACK An earth-friendly packing and moving alternative
Moving
Music Nursery
Vern Nelson Tree of Life Nursery Oregon Exotics Nursery Greenline Paper Company Recycled Paper Printing, Inc. Green Earth Office Supply Postal Annex
www.vernnelson.com 33201 Ortega Hwy www.exoticfruit.com www.greenlinepaper.com www.recycledpaper.com www.greenearthofficesupply.com 3943 Irvine Blvd.
714-235-VERN Internationally acclaimed composer/pianist who supports progressive causes San Juan Capistrano 949-728-0685 Native plants, straw -bale house, bookstore Grants Pass, OR 541-846-7578 World's largest source of rare and exotic useful plants York, PA Boston, MA Redwood Estates Irvine 800-641-1117 617-737-9911 800-327-8449 714-508-1838 A diverse line of recycled and tree-free business papers Country's oldest recycled paper printing company "The most environmentally sound office and school supplies available" Friendly owner - Josie Alvarado
Office Supplies/ Postal
Paint/Painting
AFM Safecoat Painting and Wallcovering Body Crystal, Inc. Lifekind Products, Inc. Aveda Corporation Tom's of Maine Natural Insecto Products, Inc. Home Saving Termite Control, Inc. Stonecreek Animal Hospital Advanced Critical Care/Internal Med. Oops … I Pooped Ark Natural Products for Pets ReComp Recycling Recycle My Cell Phone Avanti Native Foods Mother's Market Rutabegorz Sugar Shack Amsterdam Café Haute Cakes Zov's Bistro Hans' Homemade Ice Cream The Veggie Grill Irvine Chinese Food Good Mood Food Café Natale Café Break of Dawn The Beach Fire Restaurant Jose McCoys Orange County Transportation Authority Toyota Motor Sales, USA Honda Motor Co. Plug-In America Better World Club - Roadside Help Lindblad Expeditions Sierra Club Outings Department The International Ecotourism Society Conservation International Earthwatch ThinkHost.com
www.afmsafecoat.com San Clemente www.bodycrystal.com www.lifekind.com www.aveda.com www.tomsofmaine.com www.insecto.com www.drywoodtermitecontrol.com 4178 Barranca Pkwy 3021 Edinger Ave. www.oopsipooped.net www.arknaturals.com 1704 S. Santa Fe www.recyclemycellphone.org 259 E. 17th St. 2937 Bristol St. www.mothersmarket.com www.rutabegorz.com 213 1/2 Main St. 27221 La Paz Rd. 1807 Westcliff Dr. 17440 E. 17th St. 3640 S. Bristol St. 4213 Campus Dr. 1086 Irvine Blvd. 5930 Warner Ave. Several 24351 Avenida de la Carlota 204 Avenida del Mar 5171 Warner Ave. www.octa.net www.toyota.com www.honda.com www.pluginamerica.com www.betterworldclub.com www.expeditions.com www.sierraclub.org/outings www.ecotourism.org www.conservation.org www.earthwatch.org www.thinkhost.com Huntington Beach Minneapolis, MN Kennebunk, ME Costa Mesa Los Angeles Irvine Tustin Canada Naples, FL Santa Ana Washington, DC Costa Mesa Costa Mesa Several Several Huntington Beach Laguna Niguel Newport Beach Tustin Santa Ana Irvine Tustin Huntington Beach Several Laguna Hills San Clemente Huntington Beach Orange Torrance El Segundo El Segundo Portland, OR New York, NY San Francisco Washington, DC Washington, DC Maynard, MA
800-239-0321 Only company providing a complete line of chemically responsible paints 949-786-2028 Owned and operated by Jerry Davis, an RD member 800-234-2797 800-284-4983 212-680-5830 800-367-8667 Body care products from global co-ops, sustainably made Organic mattresses and bedding, personal care/household products Electricity neutral, responsible packaging; plant-based, organic Natural toiletries made from plant extracts, essential oils, non-toxic stuff
Personal Care
Pest Control
800-332-2002 Sells a natural insecticide; registered for organic production 800-300-0256 No toxic chemicals, fumigants 949-726-1800 949-654-8950 888-811-8804 Sells biodegradable plastic poop bags 239-592-9366 All-natural, holistic remedy and wellness products and snacks 714-542-3144 Computer and Electronics recycling 202-887-1872 A project of Earthworks, an environmental non-profit 949-548-2224 Flavorful organic, hand-crafted food 714-751-2151 Vegetarian/Vegan food Natural and organic foods and other products Homemade, health-conscious cuisine 714-536-0355 Breakfast and lunch 949-831-0104 Coffee shop 949-641-4114 Great breakfasts! 714-838-8855 Exceptional desserts 714-979-8815 Best ice cream in OC; also great sandwiches and soups 949-509-0002 Original sandwiches and burgers; dine-in and take-out 714-731-3388 Delicious and affordable 714-377-2028 Natural whole food in European gourmet style Several Good coffee 949-587-9418 Breakfast and lunch only 949-366-3232 Great food, moderately priced; run by supporter of progressive causes 714-625-4305 714-560-6282 800-331-4331 800-999-1009 714-469-7753 866-238-1137 800-397-3348 415-977-5522 202-347-9203 202-912-1000 978-461-0081 OC's primary provider of public transportation, including bus and train Makes Prius, most popular hybrid in the world Hydrogen fuel-cell car coming in '08; Hybrid Civic and Accord selling now Advocates plug-in hybrid and electric car technology Green alternative to AAA with 24-hour nationwide roadside assistance Adventure touring with a green bent Reasonably-priced, membership-based wilderness trips The largest and oldest group dedicated to ecotourism information Ecotourism is one project area for this group Travelers join scientific field research teams studying sustainability Uses renewable energy sources; founded by peace activist
Pet Care
Recycling
Restaurants
Transportation
Travel
Web Hosting
NOTES
Industry
Architecture 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Books 1st Choice Bad Choice Clothing 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice Bad Choice Coffee 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice Bad Choice Dry Cleaning 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice Bad Choice Electronics/ Technology 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice Bad Choice Energy Reduction 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Offset carbon footprint; produce and follow energy reduction plan Produce and follow a strategic plan to reduce energy use Anything else Help save the world! Ditto, with less money Buy used from a private party Buy from a local, independent retailer Buy new from Costco Buy from a big-box retailer other than Costco Saves money, packaging and transportation costs; takes advantage of rapid technology turnover Good luck finding one, though Excellent exchange/return policies Use silicone-based or carbon-dioxide-based cleaning methods Use "wet" cleaning process Use standard dry cleaner that doesn't use Perc Use standard dry cleaner that uses Perc Find these at www.greenearthcleaning.com (Silicon) and www.hangersdrycleaning.com (CO2) Uses water and special detergents in computer-controlled machines Perc smells bad and harms the environment Buy fair traded from local independent retailer Buy fair traded from online retailer Buy non fair traded from local independent retailer Buy non fair traded from chain store Fair wages paid; money stays in community Fair wages paid; money leaves community Money stays in community; questionable wages Receive hand-me-downs from other family members Purchase used from a store that provides money to a good cause Purchase new from a local or online independent business Purchase from a chain store Item reused; no money changes hands Minimal cost; money spent goes to good cause Money stays in the community Purchase from a local or online independent seller Purchase from a retail chain such as Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc. The money you spend will stay in the community or support your values Find a firm with experience in green architecture and building Find a local independent firm Find a large firm with no experience in green architecture or building They can recommend courses of action and materials that support sustainable principles The money you spend will stay in the community
Actions
Reasons
Financial 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Florist 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Food (produce) 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice 4th Choice Bad Choice Food (meat/dairy) 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Food (other) 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Furniture 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice Bad Choice Gasoline/Fuel 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice Bad Choice Gifts 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice Make gifts out of natural materials Give green gifts purchased from green local, independent stores Give green gifts purchased elsewhere Cheap, heartfelt gifts that don't harm the environment, use packaging, etc. A little more expensive and less heartfelt Higher transportation costs Use your combustion engine vehicle as little as possible Purchase from Costco Purchase from Shell or BP Purchase from others So many bad things result from using these things I can't list them all Citgo no longer sells gas from Venezuela; this is perhaps the next best option These are perhaps less bad than others Purchase used Purchase from local, independent retailer using sustainable products Purchase from local, independent retailer Purchase from any other business Re-use, recycle! Most woods come from cutting down forests; many glues, etc. are toxic and gas off chemicals Money stays in community Purchase healthy, natural food from local independent retailer Purchase healthy, natural food from ethical web-based business Purchase from any other business Money stays in community and you stay healthy Well, at least you stay healthy Don't eat any Eat rarely, always organic and cruelty-free purchased from independent Eat as much as most Americans eat Loads of problems with these Minimize problems Grow your own organically Purchase from a local, independent, orgainc co-operative Purchase only organic produce from a local farmers market Purchase organic produce from a local, independent market Purchase from a chain supermarket No transportation costs, produce is grown organically, no factory farm harms Minimal transportation costs, produce grown organically, no factory farm harms Higher transportation costs, produce grown organically, no factory farm harms Much higher transportation costs, produce organically grown, less chance of factory farm harms Grow and arrange your own flowers Purchase from a florist who sources flowers from ethical, organic growers Anything else Cheap, with that extra touch of love Flowers should be grown organically with laborers paid a fair wage Move money to local credit union; use socially responsible investments Only one of the above Commercial for-profit bank Money stays in community and supports good causes elsewhere Partial solution
Bad Choice Hardware 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Health/Spiritual 1st Choice Bad Choice Home Remodeling/ Construction 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Household Products 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Insurance 1st Choice Bad Choice Media Design 1st Choice Bad Choice Medications 1st Choice Bad Choice Nursery 1st Choice Bad Choice Office Supplies 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice
Give gifts purchased new from chains
Purchase from a local, independent store Purchase from an Ace or True Value or other locally owned store Purchase from other stores
Money stays in community Perhaps no worse than other local independent store?
Use local independent businesses and natural products Use other businesses or other products
Avoid harmful chemicals; keep in balance
Use local independent businesses experienced in sustainable work Use local independent businesses without such experience Use large contractor companies
See Green Pages for a good list of these You risk the company not knowing the ins and outs of alternative construction products and techniques
Purchase products made from natural materials by local merchants Purchase products made from natural materials by non-local merchants Purchase other products
Keep planet healthy and money in the community Keep planet healthy
Purchase from local, independent seller offering many products Purchase from seller representing large insurance company
Optimal choice; money stays in community If all you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail
Choose a local firm representing your values Choose a non-local firm whose values you don't know
Money stays in community; you make the world better
Purchase from a local independent pharmacy Chain pharmacy or other chain store
See www.caloptima.org/documents/fp_ocPharmNetDir.pdf for a list of OC independent pharmacies
Choose a local, independent nursery employing sustainable practices Choosing any other type of nursery
Ensures the plants you get will grow in your climate and you'll get good information on sustainability
Choose a local independent office supply store selling natural products Choose a local independent store Choosing a chain store
Well, many office supplies are not natural, but recycled paper is a good start Money stays in the community
Paint 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Personal Care 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Pest Control 1st Choice Bad Choice Recycling 1st Choice Restaurants 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice Bad Choice Transportation 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice 4th Choice Bad Choice Travel 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Web Hosting 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bad Choice Use an ecologically conscious local independent company Use other local independent company Use other hosting service Only one such firm I know of Combine trips - think hard about taking trips Travel green Travel like most - standard air carriers, non-green hotels, lots of oil use Most travel requires resources including oil, etc. Ecotourism is a rapidly growing field with lots of resources available to those interested Walk or bike Use public transportation or carpool Use an electric vehicle Use a clean-burning, high-MPG gas vehicle Using anything else Great exercise! No pollution! Minimal manufacturing costs! Cheap and more social Wish these were easier to find; most buy from private party Hybrids such as Prius are much better than typical cars and trucks Limit your restaurant trips Patronize local, independent places serving natural, healthy vegan food Patronize local, independnet places Eating at chain restaurants Saves money, gas, etc. Keeps money in the community; limits problems caused by consuming meat and dairy Keeps money in the community There are so many local, independent non-chains, why would you do this? Using any recycling center is the thing to do! The closer to your house, the better Select a local firm using products not toxic to things other than pests Select any other firm Most vendors use Vikane (Sulfuryl Flouride) which is toxic to people and animals In addition, tenting can destroy vegetation around the house Choose natural, non-toxic products purchased from a local vendor Choose natural, non-toxic products Choose other products Many personal care products are toxic and tested on animals - avoid these Look for products based on plant oils rather than petrochemicals Choose a local independent firm familiar with low-VOC products Choose a local independent firm Choosing a large chain painting company That new paint smell? It's volatile organic compounds and they're toxic! Money stays in the community
Resources
Name
Co-op America Green Pages Conscious Consumer site Organic Consumers Association Co-op America Responsible Shopper Web Site EcoMall.com The Green Guide SRI World Green Living Organic Gardening American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy The Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook Environmental Working Group database
Website
www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greenpages www.newdream.org/consumer/index.php www.organicconsumers.org www.responsibleshopper.org www.ecomall.com www.thegreenguide.com www.sriworld.com from E: The Environmental Magazine www.organicgardening.com www.aceee.org www.gaiam.com www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep
Notes
The nation's only directory of screened and approved green businesses A site for people who want to live consciously, buy wisely, and make a difference Promotes food safety, organic farming, and sustainable agricultural practices Online research and activism tool providing info on prominent consumer product companies Web portals to earth-friendly companies and resources The green living source for today's conscious consumer The "category killer" (most comprehensive) website for socially responsible investing One of the best books about how to consume ethically The mother of all organic gardening resources Provides a wealth of consumer resources on saving energy The complete guide to renewable energy technologies and sustainable living Provides safety analysis of the ingredients in over 7,500 personal care products
Things To Do
1 STEP 1: Think "Do I really need this?" and "Will I use it frequently for a long time?". If you only need it temporarily, consider borrowing or renting it. STEP 2: If you really need it, think "Can I barter for it or purchase it used?" - If so, this is far preferable to buying it new. STEP 3: If you really need to purchase it new, think "How can I purchase this from a business aligned with my values?" Try implementing a 7- to 28-day waiting period for all purchases other than everyday necessities Use canvas shopping bags for ALL your shopping, not just groceries. Use re-usable bags for produce as well Take the 50% challenge. Try to spend at least 50% of your money with local, independent organizations and those listed in this guide Keep green catalogs and web sites handy Buy staples in bulk - you'll save money, trips, and reduce wasteful packaging Give green gifts Travel green - find responsible hotels, restaurants and other businesses at your destinations Use compact flourescent bulbs everywhere in your house. You'd be surprised at the range of sizes they come in now. For your own health and that of those you love, only purchase food and chemicals (perfume, paint, toiletries, cleaning products, etc.) made from natural, organic products Buy fair trade only. Remember that the $10 sweatshirt made in the Phillipines you buy at Rite-Aid pharmacy is almost certainly made with sweatshop labor. Reduce electricity use by turning off unnecessary lights, running your dishwasher in the late afternoon, keeping your home cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer, etc. Eat less meat and dairy products; you'll be healthier, kinder to creatures with which we share the earth, and help save the planet. Combine shopping trips when you do go out to reduce gas costs and pollution Use a three-step process prior to buying ANYTHING:
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14