How to Become a Better Shopper

By Marisa Belger

Sure, you could stop shopping altogether, which would save you money and help protect the planet. But it’s much easier (and more fun!) to make easy changes to the way you buy things. Here’s how!

Shop Online
Even with the necessary shipping and packaging, buying goods online has been found to have less of an impact on the environment than shopping at brick-and-mortar retailers. On average, e-commerce uses about 30 percent less energy than traditional retail, according to a study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University’s Green Design Institute. Plus, there’s often a better selection!

Bike, Walk or Take Public Transportation
When you do need to visit an actual retail store, you can cut down on harmful carbon dioxide emissions by keeping the car at home. Whenever possible, walk, bike or take public transportation to your shopping destinations. And if driving is the only option, lump your shopping errands together to cut down on gas and save some money.

Buy Used
Giving a second life to previously used items is a supremely eco-conscious move. Products that don’t require energy to function -- think books, clothes and home decor items -- still use up a lot of eco-damaging energy during the manufacturing process. Help keep those emissions down by buying used! Check out local vintage, secondhand or consignment shops (remember to bike or walk there if you can!), or visit online outlets like Craigslist or Freecycle for a wide variety of previously loved clothes, gear and household items.


Photo: @iStockphoto.com/polinef

Marisa Belger’s work has appeared in Travel + Leisure Family, Natural Health, Prevention and TODAYShow.com, where she wrote a column about eco-friendly living. She was an editor at Lime.com and collaborated with author Josh Dorfman on his bestselling books, The Lazy Environmentalist and The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget. She is the managing editor of and frequent contributor to Green Goes Simple.

Leave a Comment

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Posted on May 27, 2012

I would name your blog the dreamland! While Santa knckos at our door just once per year, you blog is open the whole year wow!

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Posted on May 28, 2012

the skirts are rltelycuae. i like the tulip shape and also because they are shorter than most skirts that are tulip shaped. another thing i like about the skirts are the wide waist bands. it makes the skirts look nice on the body. what i really like is that short cut double breasted jacket. its so cute and edgy. i like how it points on the left side of the jacket and how it squares off and the right side. very cool creative design idea.


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