10 Tips For Shopping Green

By: Morgan Kierra Walton-McNeal

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Lately, everyone is trying to find more ways to go green. Do your part by utilizing ten tips for shopping green. You will do the environment a much needed break. Going green is easier than you may think , and these ten tips for shopping green will get you on the right track.

Buy a reusable grocery bag. Not only are they inexpensive, they also are a great first step in shopping green. You can find reusable grocery bags at just about every grocery store for a few dollars, if you buy a quality reusable bag, it will sustain washes and numerous trips to the grocery store. . They are also sturdier than regular plastic grocery store bags.
If you are going to use plastic bags, save them. After you put all of the groceries away, gather up all of the bags and toss them in your trunk so you will have them for the next trip to the grocery store. Most bags will give you two or three good uses before its time to get another bag.
Buy organic cleaning products at the store. Many popular companies now have "green products". When you are buying your household cleaning supplies, make sure that somewhere on the label, it says it is a green product.
Before you buy anything, find out if you can buy it "green" first. You can find just about anything green nowadays. From clothes, to furniture. Before you make a purchase check online to see if it can be purchased green first. Believe it or not, they even make green laptops, you may find it easier to shop green for all of your future purchases.
Purchase foods from local markets. Most foods are shipped, which requires some type of energy draining transportation, packaging, and a slew of other resources that are not green friendly. Take the green approach and only purchase fruits, vegetables and other food products from places that grow the items locally. Also purchase unpackaged fruits and vegetables.
Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk cuts down on the packaging used per item. Purchase as many things as you can in bulk. Paper items like, toilet tissue, napkins, paper plates, etc.
Purchase used items as much as possible. If you need to purchase something, especially an electronic item. Consider looking for a used one first. You cut back on packaging, shipping, and many other non green issues.
Shop at thrift stores. Although some people find the idea of shopping at a thrift store less than pleasant, it can be a worth while decision for anyone shopping green, used clothes, shoes and other accessories help cut back on other things.
Carpool your shopping trips. Instead of driving alone to go shopping, gather your friends and neighbors and carpool your trips to the store. Every one can decide on the grocery stores or department stores that you will visit and the shopping will be taken care of.
Bike or walk it. Instead of driving or using public transportation walk to stores. If you dot want to walk consider riding a bike, its a great way to go green and get a little exercise in.