From battery chargers to biodegradable trash bags, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to find "green" products...And we've only just begun. In the coming months, we will continue to build our green and natural products selection, as well as continue to give you the information you need to make the smartest selection you can.
As you probably know, the terms "sustainability" and "green" are hardly an exact science, and there is no one authority or set of standards. Many industries and independent businesses are busy working to develop clearer guidelines for their shoppers, but until those are established, at drugstore.com, we look for a range of activities and demonstrated commitment from our vendors.
Many of the brands we carry are pioneers; leaders in the green, and natural products industries. Their own commitments have been a catalyst for others to develop standards and guidelines for their products. We have developed a set of guiding principles that help our Going Green/Sustainability Task Force qualify the green and natural products we carry on our site. We feel confident these products offer you a range of sustainable choices available, either by:
The process and materials by which the product is made, such as their:
Reusability and energy efficiency
Minimal environmental impact, artificial materials, or toxicity
Minimal, or alternative, packaging materials used derived without endangering any species or environments
Materials that are reused, recycled, renewable, biodegradable organic, etc.
Manufacturing without endangering the health of people or animals
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Encouraging more environmental, "greener living", by either:
Minimizing waste, energy, and other natural resource consumption
Recycling
Composting
Household water reduction
Battery re-charging
Using natural, or less harmful, ingredients
Although we know that it is not likely, or perhaps not even possible, for a product to meet all of these guidelines, we honor our vendors' demonstrated efforts. We are making progress on our commitment, and believe our green store is a great way to not only to support our vendors with theirs, but to encourage you to act on your own.
Wondering exactly what ‘natural' means? After nearly a decade in the natural market, we've gained knowledge and built strong relationships with industry leaders, in order to bring you the best selection of natural choices available online: from vitamins to household cleaners to personal care products – and everything in between. For us, "natural" isn't a fad or a trend that will go out of style. It's part of drugstore.com's long term and serious commitment to offering our customers the finest products available.
Here are the standards we use to qualify the products we select for our natural store:
We can help simplify your green shopping by doing some of the research for you. At drugstore.com, we use three key attributes in determining the authenticity of our green and natural products:
The smaller the impact; the greener the product. When looking at the products we sell, or at others, as yourself these kinds of questions and become familiar with the qualities that help make products considered green, and more importantly, help you live a little greener.
Materials & Manufacturing
Is the product made of eco-friendly materials? Are they scarce resources? Have they been, or can they be, recycled or reused? Were fair trade practices employed in acquiring them? Does the product include sustainable source materials such as bamboo?
Does the manufacturing process take the ecosystem’s health into consideration? Are fossil fuels burnt releasing harmful greenhouse gasses into the air? Has the producer made efforts to use renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro, or solar? What is the transportation process of the product? Does the company use fair labor or cruelty-free practices? Are by-products disposed of safely or recycled? Does the company maintain an active corporate social responsibility program, funding other community needs?
Energy & Resource Saving
Does using the product limit energy or other natural resources and waste? Is it more eco-friendly than similar products on the market? Does it encourage a sustainable lifestyle? Does it promote a ‘green’ user experience? Does it have a positive effect on the health of the user? Is it Energy Star® certified?
Product Life Cycle & Disposal
Can this product be disposed of safely? Is it recyclable or can it be reused? Does it cause little, or no, harmful effect to the planet? Is it biodegradable? Did the producers create it to have a long life and healthy product lifecycle? Can it be passed on for secondhand use?
