Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 214 Unit 3 Investigating Career Pathways in Human Services Identifying Sustainable Products Many consumers are looking to buy sustainable products. Sustainable relates to a method of using a resource so it does not deplete or destroy the resource. In today’s society, consumers have much more knowledge about the depletion or overuse of natural resources and the need to manage and reuse resources. This concern has led consumers to practice sustainable purchasing techniques (Figure 8.12). Figure 8.12 Consumers who practice sustainable shopping techniques help combat the depletion or destruction of resources. Which of these sustainable shopping techniques do you practice? Can you think of other techniques to add to this list? Sustainable Shopping Techniques • Learn about how a product is produced and how it can be disposed of before purchasing. • Look for products that are reusable, not disposable. For example, use cloth napkins rather than paper napkins. Use a reusable stainless steel or aluminum water bottle filled with tap water rather than bottled water. • Buy products in bulk to avoid single-packaged items. Store items in reusable glass containers rather than plastic ones. • Take your own shopping bag with you to avoid using plastic bags. • Buy used items or buy items to share with others. • Take advantage of the local library or used book store. • Look for products that use recycled materials or are energy efficient. Labels such as Energy Star or EPEAT help identify energy efficient products. • Buy locally grown fruits and vegetables and organic foods. • Choose Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified seafood. • Look for biodegradable cleaning products. Figure 8.11 There are many ways that companies can reach consumers through advertisement media. Which of these advertising media do you encounter most often? Kheng Guan Toh/Shutterstock.com