|
|
 |
|
|
Consumer Action & Education |
| |
|
| |
 |
| |
Consumers advocacy really works! Clorox launches Brita filter recycling with Whole Foods. Photo (L-R) Beth Terry, Take Back the Filter; Adesina Stewart,Whole Foods; Sonia Diermayer, Sierra Club; Lois Courchaine, CPSC; Mark Gagliardi, City of Oakland. |
Consumer Action
Consumers can help drive product stewardship by making informed purchasing decisions. Here are some things to consider:
-
Stay Informed.
Many companies claim to be "green," but how do you really know what's true? Don't be confused by "greenwashing."
Websites like Greener Choices by Consumer Reports, Greenpeace's Stop Greenwash, and Green Seal are reliable sources for information.
 Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) environmental claims verification program
is another trusted source for environmental claims verification. You can also learn a lot just by reading product labels. Look for products that are made with recycled content or non-toxic ingredients and that are easily reused, recycled or repaired.
-
Reduce Your Packaging.
Look for products that have reduced packaging or, if you must buy an over-packaged product, send a letter to the manufacturer and let them know you don't appreciate wasteful packaging practices. Most consumer labels include a corporate address. And remember to bring reusable bags with you when you shop - you can reduce your own packaging waste, too!
-
Take Advantage of Take-Back Programs.
Patronize companies that offer voluntary take-back programs for the products they sell, such as Home Depot’s fluorescent bulb recycling program.
-
Ask for More Take-Back Programs.
 When you buy a product, don't be afraid to ask the retailer to take-it-back at the end-of-life. If enough consumers request take-back programs, retailers and manufacturers will get the message and find ways to work together to make this happen. It really works! The Take Back the Filter campaign was instrumental in convincing Clorox to recycle Brita filters in the U.S. This grassroots campaign was successful thanks to the efforts of thousands of motivated consumers. See the Brita press release.
-
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
We know you've heard it before, but remember that consumers share responsiblity for the products they buy and use, too. Do the right thing with a product: buy only what you need, try to use it up completely, give it to someone else who can use it, and when it's time to dispose of a product, be sure to first check with your local recycling program for recycling opportunities in your area.
-
Make Smart Choices.
Consumers have the power to influence how products are made! Choosing eco-friendly products sends a powerful message to producers because they need to know that the purchase price is not the only factor that influences your decision making. Make smart purchasing decisions. Websites like GoodGuide are helping consumers find safe, healthy and green products.
Action Items
 Subscribe to CPSC's Facebook Fan Page - Stay informed!
 Write a Letter
-
To Your Local Elected Officials:
Let your City Council or Board of Supervisors know that you support extended producer responsibility.
-
To Legislators:
Tell your legislators that you support product stewardship and want them to vote in support of product stewardship legislation.
To find your elected representatives, go to an interactive map of State Senate and Assembly districts.
 Buy Recycled
Recycle Store California Integrated Waste Management Board
Shop with the environment in mind: use the California Integrated Waste Management’s online directory of recycled content products.
Here are two of many web sites that provide information on buying green:
Reuse
Join a free, local online reuse group like www.freecycle.org “Freecyclers” have the most interesting exchanges. Find postings for free building materials, clothing, appliances, even plants, fruits and vegetables! Freecycle’s online community has grown so that you’ll likely find an organization near you.
Recycle, Recycle, Recycle!
 Donate to CPSC
CPSC is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. We welcome donations, large and small, to support our work and progress towards product stewardship. Funding us helps show your support for product stewardship and it’s tax deductible. Donate online.
Product-Specific Actions
|
| |
Consumer Education
You can influence the future of product stewardship! Consumers send the appropriate market signals to producers by choosing products that are less toxic, have less packaging, can be easily repaired, recycled or reused. Your purchasing decisions can help drive innovative product design and encourage producers to take responsibility for the products they create and sell for profit. Information on this page will help you make informed decisions about the products you buy.
-
Why We Need Product Stewardship, PSA from Keep America Beautiful, Let's Trash The Beach  7/09
(1 minute 13 seconds)
-
The Story of Stuff (20 minutes)
This is a powerful and entertaining introduction by Annie Leonard to the over-production, over-consumption and over-wasting inherent in our global economy. It describes the roles of government and corporations, and the effects on everyone.
-
Synthetic Seas: Plastics in the Ocean —Algalita Marine Research Foundation
Learn about the effects of plastic debris in the ocean. Dr. Charles Moore of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation documents the western pacific garbage gyre – a floating “island” of plastic debris in the Pacific ocean.
-
The Secret Life of Paper (5 minutes)
Learn how paper production is related to forest destruction and global warming, and why recycling and buying recycled paper are important.
-
The Secret Life of Cell Phones (5 minutes)
See where old cell phones and mobile devices go when you recycle them and why you should recycle them.
-
Batteries Not Included
This news story was produced by Canada’s Marketplace, a consumer education television show, to document the problem of alkaline battery disposal.
|
| |
|
(3 minutes)