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You can’t buy your way to a better world. But certainly what you buy – or don’t buy – has a great impact on the environment, and your health. One of the best ways to reduce the number of toxins and garbage in the world, to decrease energy use, to save water, minimize pollution and simplify your life, is to reduce your consumption.

This doesn’t have to impose drastic limits your lifestyle. By working with the shopping tips outlined here, and setting your own purchasing parameters, you can find ways to decrease the negative impact of your lifestyle on the planet and start making a difference one choice at a time.

Wooden laptop computer made by AsusConsider a Product's Lifecycle
Before you make a purchase, consider where the goods you buy came from, how they were produced and transported, and where they will ultimately end up.
Woman repairing bicycleReduce, Reuse, Repair
By purchasing only the things you need, buying secondhand, renting, borrowing, sharing, and keeping things in good repair, you can greatly reduce your contribution to waste production.
red stainless steel bottleShop Locally
Shopping in your community for goods that are locally grown or produced will support the local economy. It usually means the product is made with fair labour standards and reduces the need for shipping.
vegetarian business lunchReduce Packaging
While you can't necessarily choose the packaging a product comes in, you can choose to buy products that come in less – and better – packaging.
office yogaBecome Non-Toxic
The products you choose make a critical difference to the health of your home and the environment. Make it a household policy to purchase the least toxic paints, stains, household cleaners, and lawn care products that you can.
office yogaSupport Positive Business Practices
Sometimes there are increased costs or systematic changes required for businesses to increase their sustainability. Show support for sustainable business practices by giving your business to retailers who demonstrate them.
office yogaJoin a Local Exchange Network
Join a Local Exchange Trading System, which allows you to exchange goods and services indirectly with other people in a network, using an interest-free currency.
office yogaPurchase ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR is an international symbol of energy efficiency that identifies products that meet or exceed a prescribed level of energy efficiency, and in many cases, overall quality as well.

Last Modified: Sep 2, 2010

 

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