The Green Groove by Trish Smith
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It's a decision that all shoppers have to make while in their favorite food aisle: should I get just one container or go with the bulk packaged items? If you really think about it, going with the bulk packaged items will not only save you a few bucks in the long run, but it will also be much better for the planet.

How can this be you say? Here are two companies that are making a sustainable statement with their packaging:

3M

We've all seen and used Post-it note pads before, but did you ever think about how much plastic packaging is used every time you open a new set? The company 3M did, and that's why they created Post-it Note Cabinet Packs. These packs can hold up to 24 cubes of Post-it note pads, which reduces the plastic packaging waste of each individual pad. Plus, the sleeve is made from 100% recycled paper!

The CEO of 3M, George Buckley, states that the company's vision for the next few years is to:

Since 1990 the company has already exceeded its greenhouse gas emission goals by 50%, and it hopes to continue on its reign of reducing packaging waste with items like the Post-it note packs and the Scotch-Brite Tub and Tile Scrubber duo pack.

PakTech

If it wasn't for PakTech, a company created in 1992 by Jim Borg, then we wouldn't be able to carry some of our favorite drinks conveniently to and from wherever we need to go. PakTech designs and manufactures plastic handles that are lightweight and 100% recyclable.

Some of the green initiatives of the company are:

Best of all, PakTech was recently recognized by Oregon Business Magazine as one of the Top 100 Green Businesses in Oregon.

Now, the next time you go to Costco, Whole Foods or any other grocery store, think about these two companies and support their sustainability goals. You'll be an awesome ally in their green mission to rid the world of evil packaging!