I suppose some of these suggestions are business-wise, and others personal. I try to do what I can to save our planet and also save a bit of money. I know many of you that read my blog posts, are a bit like me. I'm a small business owner and do my best to keep Dunitz & Company "above water." These days with rising labor and product costs, software rentals, website maintenance and on again off again tariffs, it's getting tougher.
1.
Take your reusable bags to the grocery store. Why buy bags or use the paper bags that are given to you? I shop Trader Joe's more than any other grocery store. The cashiers often seem surprised when I provide my own bags. They've told me many times that a majority of shoppers no longer bring in their own bags, and use the (double bagged) paper bags they provide. Do you think this is inexcusable? I hate to pass judgement. But, it bothers me. While I'm at it, here's a shout-out to the
Dennos Museum of Traverse City, MI. They sell our earrings!
2.
Recycle and reuse cardboard boxes whenever you can. I've asked many of my neighbors to provide me with the small boxes from their online orders. I know some can't be bothered. But there are a few that are dropping off boxes by my back door fairly often. I still need to buy boxes for my business, but the ones they provide make a difference. Why put these boxes in our blue bins when they can make another cross-country trip? I can't stop my neighbors from shopping on Amazon. But I can use their boxes! Do you use recycled boxes?
3.
I don't stop with the recycled boxes. There's loads of clean packing materials available out there. That includes kraft paper, air bubble packing, peanuts and clean newsprint paper.
(The one thing I don't like to use is shredded newsprint or other small shredded paper. It's too messy.) My neighbors bring me some. I collect some with my own online shipments. (Think chewy.com - I have two big dogs.) But this is never enough. When I'm close to nil on packing materials I look to Facebook Marketplace and Offer Up. There are lots of people who have just moved and choose to find people who will use the boxes and packing materials they acquired versus dumping it all in the city's blue bins. What I like best is many of my wholesale customers, including museum
stores tell me that they are not offended by recycled packing materials
and even prefer it. Do you recycle packing materials?
4.
Ink. Bins. Art Supplies. Online marketplaces are a good source. It doesn't stop with packing materials. Facebook Marketplace and Offer Up have been excellent sources for other things I use for my business, and for me. I've found these marketplaces to be excellent for finding computer ink, storage bins and art supplies. Many of you know I've taken up portraiture. A few months ago I found a woman selling her ink because her HP printer crashed. We made a deal and I drove to meet up with her. When I tried to pay her, she refused and actually gave me even more ink, all the partially used cartridges she had. We didn't know if they'd work, but they were genuine. Lucky me they all have worked. I've saved a bundle by finding loads of drawing materials this way. What have you purchased lately from this way?
5.
Saving "Grey Water" in the Shower. Whatever possessed me to do this? I have a small fountain in my garden. The 'pond' below it fairly large. The water evaporates over time. My dogs drink from it. I am always "watering" it to prevent it from going dry. I randomly bought a 5 gallon pail and decided to catch excess water when I shower. I only have a 30 gallon tank at my home which limits long showers. But, even with short showers, I've been catching a lot of water. I've been carrying it to the garden and typically dumping it in the fountain pond. Sometimes I use it to water my flower pots. I think I'm saving a lot of water. That makes me happy. Would you consider doing this for your own garden?
6. Speaking about Gardens. I have a small composter. Many years ago, my friend Nicki recruited me to attend a seminar sponsored by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. At the time we purchased composters and other tools at the discount LADWP provided. I've been using mine ever since. Unfortunately my garden is very shady. Things don't compost quickly. But - I do managed to get enough to feed many plants and small trees along the way. If you're in the Los Angeles area, you could take a class too. Smart Gardening classes are available. Do you compost?
7.
Thrifting. I asked several of my small business colleagues what they do to "make a difference." I was floored that all of them told me they rarely buy new clothes anymore.
(A couple told me they occasionally purchase something verified fair trade at their local fair trade store. Good to know.) They all told me they prefer shopping at second-hand stores, thrift stores or shopping online for vintage finds. Me too. For fun, I'll share my latest vintage find I purchased on eBay. Do you know the artist
Kenny Scharf? He hung out in the 1980s with the likes
of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. (We're the same age which means he was painting in New York's East Village when I was attending NYU business school. Who followed who?Evidently he lives in Los Angeles now, although we've never crossed paths.) Can you add to my list? Share with me what you do to help save our planet and I'll add it to this post. Thanks for reading. And please keep supporting fair trade. -ND
