The Worsted Witch » Mail Call: Finding Eco Products

Mail Call: Finding Eco Products

February 5, 2007 at 10:26 am · Filed under Chekhov's Eco Tips, Conscious Consumption, Environmentalism, Health, NYC

Dear Chekhov ... Dear Chekhov,

As a novice at green living, and a newbie to New York City, I do not know where to go to purchase said recycled paper towel and toilet paper products. Actually, to your tragic sadness, I also am unaware of where to go for eco friendly cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and all those nasty products I’m currently doomed to use daily. This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Chekhov; you’re my only hope!

An admirer of your incomparable wisdom,
Anne

Dear Anne,

I usually go by the “Seventh Generation” rule—which I made up while inspecting my tush for any dirt that could have landed there in the last five seconds—i.e., if a place stocks Seventh Generation products, it’s a pretty good bet it’ll have other eco-friendly supplies, as well. Go to www.seventhgeneration.com > Our Products > Find a Store and plug in your zip code to find a place you can tote your reusable shopping bags to. If you’re overwhelmed by your options (and I don’t blame you!), Green Seal examines what you should look for in a green cleaner. For most of your basic cleaning needs, however, you rarely need anything more complicated than vinegar, baking soda, and a couple of lemons. (The Green Guide has got your back, task by task, too, if you’re taking the DIY route.)

For a little help in terms of which recycled-paper products to get, you can download and print a handy wallet-size Shopper’s Guide to Home Tissue Products (PDF), courtesy of NRDC, to take with you to the supermarket.

If you’re anywhere near Park Slope in Brooklyn, be sure to check out my friend Mark’s store, 3R Living, a veritable cornucopia of goodies for the eco-chic lifestyle.

Eco-sleuthily yours,
Chekhov (who was born in Queens—represent!)