What is sustainable shopping?
Sustainable shopping is the practice of supporting products and brands that prioritize environmental and social responsibility, such as seeking out brands that use renewable energy or otherwise offset their carbon footprint.
There’s a wide array of factors that can come into play here. For example, you might look for companies that value:
- Ethical production practices
- Low- or zero-waste packaging
- Fair trade and organic certifications
- Locally made products or low-emission shipping
Shifting your shopping habits toward more sustainable options can take time. However, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice convenience or quality.
Where to find eco-friendly shops
Nowadays, there are many eco-friendly shops selling all manner of products. You may come across these shops online, in your local shopping center or through curated marketplaces for sustainable goods.
Keep in mind that not every eco-friendly shop is equally environmentally friendly. For example, some may specifically seek to minimize their impact through recycled materials. Others may focus on renewable materials or energy. Looking for shops that are transparent about their environmental impact, product sourcing and labor practices can help narrow down your options.
Eco-friendly shops may also advertise product certifications and standards to help shoppers discover sustainable options. Each of these may signify something different, so it helps to familiarize yourself with those and what they mean. That way, you may find options that meet your own sustainability standards. The EPA’s certifications search tool is a useful place to start exploring these certifications.
Reading reviews and considering sustainability ratings may also give you an idea about a shop’s eco-friendly practices.
Eco-friendly products to look for
You may be able to choose more eco-friendly products across many areas of your shopping life, such as:
- Household: Reusable cleaners, compostable sponges, refillable soaps
- Fashion: Organic cotton, secondhand clothing, locally sourced textiles
- Personal Care: Plastic-free toiletries, refillable containers, biodegradable brushes
- Tech and Gadgets: Energy-efficient devices, recyclable packaging, solar-powered batteries and lights
How to shop sustainably with Citi Shop℠
Shopping with an eye toward sustainability can take effort. However, there are ways to make the process easier while being a savvy shopper.
The Citi Shop browser extension may help. Once installed, you can enroll your eligible Citi® credit card. Then Citi Shop automatically searches for and applies coupons at thousands of online retailers. You can get statement credits to cash in on those coupons and save.
This means Citi Shop may help eligible cardmembers find savings opportunities at eco-conscious brands.
Sustainable shopping tips for everyday life
Incorporating eco-friendly habits into your life takes practice. Here are a few tips to help you make the switch:
- Focus on quality: Higher quality items may last longer, minimizing your shopping footprint
- Opt for secondhand or refurbished goods: These don’t require new materials and may also cost less than their newer counterparts
- Bring reusable bags and containers to the store: Keeping these in your car, for example, can help you minimize your plastic consumption
- Prioritize recyclable or compostable packaging: It might seem less significant, but the packaging can make a big difference in how eco-friendly a product is
- Read product labels and brand values: Watch out for greenwashing (signaling sustainability without backing it up in practice) and keep an eye out for the eco-friendly features that you want to prioritize
Changing any habit can be tricky. However, even small steps can make a big difference in how your shopping habits impact the environment. Using tools like Citi Shop may help you stick to your values while saving money.
Disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.
