Dear Friend,

Summer is time for trips to the beach, pool and park—and that means extra trips to the grocery store for grab-and-go food and drinks. So this is a great time to learn more about the recyclability of the containers we buy.

Not all recycled items are created equal, and tossing items in the recycling bin is just the beginning of a complex process. Despite what we’ve been told, certain materials are not as recyclable as we think. Often, a lot of the items we recycle just go straight to the landfill, especially the plastic ones.

Consumer Action is working to educate consumers on the facts behind recycling. We started with a poll, which found that three-quarters of respondents consider helping the environment to be an important factor in what they buy, but that many are misinformed about the choices available to them.

Now, we’re working to empower people in their purchasing decisions. Check out our new infographic, below, to learn about smarter, more eco-conscious buying decisions at the grocery store. (To download a PDF version of the infographic, click here.)

Finally, we've created an engaging Buzzfeed post that can help you become a more informed consumer. Sustainability begins in the grocery aisle!