A guide to concious consuming

Even better than recycling is not producing waste that has to be recycled. Reusing is a keyword for this. Buy things that are of good quality so they will last very long. Don't use disposable products like plastic cups, plates and the like. Just think about the use of what you are going to buy and what you're going to do with it. Don't take things you don't need to take. Just say 'no' to plastic bags, for example. Here are some suggestions:

• Don't let the clerk put your liquor purchases in paper bags if you have other shopping bags - just safe the paper.
• Get your shopping bag or backpack with you the the grocery store and have the clerk put your stuff in there without bags around it. Use bags only for things that need a bag (like lettuce, cheese or other fresh products).
• Check the packages of the products you are going to buy. Do they contain unnecessary plastic wrappings? Are they easily recyclable? Do they compost? Get eggs in cardboard boxes and don't buy styrofoam boxes.
• Buy larger containers of beverages if you are about to buy beverages. Some big bottles of soda are less waste than some sixpacks of cans.
• Refill containers you use at home instead of buying new ones. For example you can refill your empty spice containers at places like Gerb's or the Oranic Earth Company store by just taking them there and have your spices refilled. This will even be cheaper than buying the new containers.
• Buy returnable packages instead of disposable ones.
• Read the product information and think about it before you buy. Don't be as dumb as advertisers think you are. If there is a big, bright line 'A fat free food' on a package that contains sugar, something is odd. And if you get a cleaner that advertises 'Contains no phosphates and no unproven phosphate substitutes' that might sound nice but if you look at the ingredients list you see it's a chlorine solution, harmful to every living thing.
• If you're going to pick up some take-out food, take some containers with you to save the disposable food boxes. Surely you have some plastic boxes or bowls with lids in your kitchen that are suitable for food.
• Don't wrap everything you store in your freezer or refridgerator in plastic or aluminium foil. Use closed containers like boxes or bowls.
• Don't buy plastic bags for bagging dishes, sandwiches and so on. Just collect the plastic bags stores force on you and your supply will be big enough to support your bag needs.
• Support stores that are close to your place. Using cars creates new waste, walking or cycling over to the store next block is the better solution.
• If your workplace or friends are within a few miles from your place, use a bicycle or walk. It supports your health, fights heart disease, saves fuel and carbon dioxide and noise.
• Don't mow your lawn too often - nothing is wrong with a lawn that is two inches tall. Get information about the right species of grass for your climate to prevent unnecessary watering.