1. Before You Buy - Use What You Have.

Chances are you have a lot of stuff in your closets waiting to be used! I've recently broken a habit of buying bulk. One of my challenges has been to use what I have before moving on to greener and better options. Don't we just get excited and want to go shopping!

Dig around. You'll be surprised at what you have - using what you have is better than a green acquisition. In the PND pantry we still have 3 boxes of plastic Costco cutlery, 1200 paper napkins, ribbon, gift wrap, moisturizers, conditioners, sunscreens... you get the idea. We're working on it!

2. Take Care of The Things You Own!

Taking care of your "stuff" values the resources that went into making it! You'll keep them longer and reducing impact by not having to replace it. Your home, cars, clothing, shoes, toys, etc... will all benefit from being well taken care of. And the environment will thank you, if it's taken care of it's less likely to be tossed when you are done with it. It's more likely that you'll be able to pass it along to a new home when you're done with it.

Teaching your children to care for their things will impart values that will last a lifetime.

3. Pick just one area of your life to green!

Wherever you are in your green journey... whether you are just beginning or an ecosavant, pick ONE new area to work on. Once mastered you can add another, another, another... you get the idea. Living a greener, healthier life is a journey that starts with one step.

4. Buy Organic

Start buying organic in a new area of your life.

You may have bought organic food, or this might be new for you. You may buy organic dairy, but haven't moved into the produce section yet. Pick a new area to explore the benefits of organic.

If you've never bought organic cotton or denim, next time you're shopping keep your eyes and mind open. Ask the stores you shop at. Even if you make a conventional selection, asking the questions will help spread the word that customers care and want to see more options. You may even find organic options in places you don't expect. This last holiday season I was able to buy organic cotton casual clothing for lil' Diva at Walmart and Organic PJ's for both the kids at Costco.

Keep your eyes peeled and ASK!

5. Buy Fair Trade

I buy fair trade chocolate. I figure chocolate is something I don't NEED. It's a luxury. I figure, if it's a luxury I can step up and make sure children aren't picking the cocoa beans for my chocolate. It's been fun, I've been on the hunt for the perfect fair trade organic fix to my chocolate cravings.

It doesn't have to be chocolate, you could pick coffee, clothing, bananas, again... sometimes starting in an area of your life that is already a splurge will make it a little easier to spend that little bit extra that fair trade calls for.

You'll be surprised how it will inspire you!

6. Buy Quality

• ‹ I'm Buying a Cow
• Stop Eating the Fake Food! ›