Living Lightly: A Guide to Sustainable Shopping and Living

Embracing sustainability is more than a trend—it’s a movement towards a healthier, greener future. With every purchase and choice, we have the power to support local businesses, protect our beautiful environment, and inspire others to do the same. From exploring vibrant local markets to adopting eco-friendly practices in our homes, there are countless ways to make a meaningful impact in our communities. 

Shop Local: Farmers’ Markets and Roadside Stands 🍅

Buying local produce reduces the environmental impact of food transport while supporting local farmers. Both Rincón and Mayagüez host farmers’ markets every Sunday, and Aguadilla hosts a market each Saturday. You’ll find fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables—many grown organically or with minimal pesticides—along with local honey, handmade soaps, and artisanal goods. Additionally, roadside stands in the area offer an array of fresh produce directly from local farmers.

Tip: Support vendors who practice sustainable farming and use minimal packaging. This helps promote eco-friendly practices and reduces waste in the community.

Find Sustainable Products in Supermarkets ♻️

Although supermarkets like Econo and Selectos aren’t exclusively eco-friendly, they offer some sustainable options:

• Organic or local produce: Check labels for local farms or organic certifications to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Reusable items: These stores carry reusable shopping bags, stainless steel straws, and eco-friendly water bottles.
• Eco-conscious brands: Look for biodegradable cleaners or products with reduced packaging.

Tip: If your store is short on eco-friendly options, suggest stocking more to the store manager. Customer feedback often drives change.

Thrift and Second-Hand Shopping  👗

Buying second-hand is a great way to reduce waste. Locals frequently host community yard sales or share second-hand items in Facebook groups like Rincón Classifieds or Buy Nothing Rincón. For brick-and-mortar spots, check out Recycle Paradise in Rincón and Thrift Shop Antigüedades in Añasco. Aguadilla and Mayagüez also have thrift shops that offer everything from clothing to furniture.

Tip: Organize a clothing swap event with friends to refresh your wardrobe in a sustainable way.

Shop Local in Eco-Friendly Businesses♻️

There is a wide range of local businesses that focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products. These include health food stores, gift shops, clothing stores, and more. We obviously can’t list them all, but here are a few:

1. Edward’s Go Natural: A health-food store that offers organic food, supplements, and eco-friendly household items for a greener lifestyle.
3. Kelly’s Health Food: They have a variety of options that range from organic foods to natural supplements. 
5. Isla Made: Not just a coffee shop, this cool spot also features a marketplace of locally produced and eco-friendly products and art on its second level.
7. Ocean State of Mind: A vibrant collection of eco-friendly clothing and accessories, alongside wellness and home products designed to inspire a mindful, sustainable lifestyle.
9. Saluna: An apothecary boutique providing clean skincare, eco-friendly haircare, and reef-safe sunscreens.

DIY: Make Your Own Eco-Friendly Products🧼

DIY solutions are a great way to reduce waste. Here are some easy projects:

Homemade cleaning products: 

• All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle, adding lemon peels for a citrus scent.
• Glass Cleaner: Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a spray bottle for streak-free cleaning.
• Natural Scrubbing Cleaner: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste that’s perfect for scrubbing sinks and tubs.
• Wood Furniture Polish: Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and lemon essential oil for a natural wood polish.
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet, add vinegar, and scrub for a natural clean.
• Floor Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon castile soap, and 1 gallon of hot water for a streak-free floor cleaner.

Eco-Friendly DIY Packaging Ideas 

Reduce waste with these creative packaging solutions:

• Beeswax Wraps: Replace plastic wrap with beeswax wraps made from cotton fabric and beeswax.
• Reusable Fabric Gift Bags: Sew fabric gift bags from scrap fabric or old clothes.
• Upcycled Glass Jars: Repurpose old jars for storage or gifting. Decorate with twine for a rustic touch.
• Toilet Paper Roll Seedling Pots: Use toilet paper rolls as biodegradable pots for seedlings.

Tip: These DIY projects can also serve as fun activities for kids, helping them learn about sustainability.

Support Sustainable Online Shopping🛍️

For items you can’t find locally, several online retailers ship eco-friendly products to Puerto Rico. Look for online stores that prioritize sustainable practices, such as:

• EcoRoots: Carries plastic-free personal care and household products.
• Package Free Shop: Specializes in zero-waste goods, from reusable containers to eco-friendly cleaning products.
• Etsy: Many Puerto Rican artisans sell eco-friendly, handmade products through Etsy, reducing shipping distance and supporting the local economy.

Regrow Food from Scraps 🥕

Instead of throwing food scraps away, use them to regrow fresh produce:

• Green Onions: Place the white root ends in water, and they’ll regrow in a week.
• Lettuce: Regrow lettuce by placing the base in water and watching new leaves sprout.
• Potatoes: Plant sprouted potatoes in soil to grow new plants.
• Garlic: Plant a garlic clove in soil, and it will grow into a new bulb.
• Celery: Place the base of a celery bunch in water, and new stalks will grow.
• Carrot Tops: Regrow carrot greens from the tops of carrots in a shallow dish of water.
• Pineapple: Plant the top of a pineapple to grow a new plant, though it will take time to fruit.
• Herbs (Basil, Mint, Cilantro): Grow herbs from cuttings by placing them in water and transplanting them to soil once roots form.

Tips for Success:  

1. Choose organic produce to improve regrowth chances.  
2. Change water frequently and place plants in sunny spots for best results.  
3. Transplant sprouts to soil to encourage long-term growth.

*For more gardening advice, read our article with tips from the experts at Tu Jardin.

By supporting local markets, choosing eco-friendly stores, creating your own sustainable products, and re-growing food from scraps, you’re not just making eco-conscious choices—you’re actively helping to build a more resilient, sustainable future for Puerto Rico’s west coast. Each small step you take strengthens the community, protects the environment, and paves the way for a greener, healthier tomorrow. Together, we can make a lasting impact.