Fair trade is a social movement promoting standards of sustainable practices that empowers producers in developing nations. Fair trade supports fair prices, fair labor conditions, community development and environmental sustainability.

Various sustainable materials include bamboo, a fast-growing grass, (yes, grass) used to make fabrics, flooring, furniture and other products. Jute is another plant that can be woven into a strong thread or twine and is used to create cloth and woven into carpets and rugs. Hemp, like bamboo is a fast-growing plant with strong fibers used to create cloth for bags and clothing. Early drafts of the American Constitution were written on hemp paper. Grown organically, its' oils are used for cosmetic products and seeds in food products. There are many types of animal wools such as alpaca fibers or merino wool used in clothing.

Energy efficient products are designed to consume less energy without sacrificing performance, reducing long-term environmental impacts. These products include appliances such as refrigerators and stoves with an Energy Star Rating and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). These efficient bulbs cost a bit more than old-style incandescent bulbs, but they last longer, use far less electricity, will save you money in the long run and reduce greenhouse gases.

When considering the impact products you purchase and consume have on your environment, try considering their complete lifecycle. This includes;

1) Source Material: What is the product made from?

2) Manufacturing: How is it manufactured?

3) Usage, How is it used and what is its effect on the environment?

4) Disposal: How is it disposed of and with what environmental impact? When you apply buy green standards in a cradle to grave approach to shopping, you will gain a better perspective of a products true overall cost.

Online shopping can offer many benefits to your environment, including energy saved by not driving around looking for what you need and less time stuck in traffic. By shopping from home you can look at alternative sources and learn about the company you are buying from. With today's rising prices and stress levels, anything that cuts cost and lessens hassles is a welcome prospect. Shopping online allows you to easily ship items to friends and family direct from the store without having to repackage them, drive to the post office or a shipping company for overnight delivery.

Quite often the online selections are better making it easier to find the exact items you want in a matter of seconds. With a click of the mouse you see other styles, colors and sizes that may not be on the racks at your local store due to low inventories and learn about alternatives you might not have considered before.

Online stores are open 24 hours. You can shop anywhere at anytime, allowing you to do your shopping after the kids go to bed, at lunch, in the morning or between classes.

Shopping green can be an enjoyable and rewarding way to improve your personal environment, globally and locally. Give it a try to see how you can affect your world.