Green Shopping Tips

It is important to familiarize yourself with your what types of containers and items can be recycled in your local recycling program. Once you know what you can recycle, look for products that come in the containers that you know you will be able to recycle when the products are all used up. Examples are products in commonly recycled containers made from aluminum, steel, #1 and #2 plastic, and glass. Check the Earth 911 Reuse and Recycling Services listings to see what types of containers/packaging you should look for in your community.

• Use rechargeable batteries in toys, flashlights, radios. You can save $200 a year by using rechargeable batteries instead of disposables in one cd player used two hours a day.
• Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers. You'll save $600 per child by using a laundry diaper service instead of disposable diapers.
• Use a real camera instead of disposable ones. If you take 24 pictures each month you will save $144 each year.
• Many families spend over $260 each year on paper towels and napkins. Switch to cloth napkins, sponges, and cloth towels or wipes.
• Use washable plates, cups, and silverware for parties and picnics instead of disposable products.
• Use an electric razor or hand razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable razors.
• Buy high quality/long life tires. They cost less per mile traveled and reduce the problem of disposing of used tires.
• Use a washable commuter mug for your morning coffee and eliminate a Styrofoam or plastic cup every day.
• Bring bags to the market, either cloth ones or your old paper and plastic ones. Many markets will credit your bill for using your own bags. When buying only a few items, don't take a bag.
• Clean and service your appliances, computers, tools, and cars so that they will enjoy even longer lives. And, before you replace them, check to see if they are repairable. Consider sharing equipment that is used infrequently such as hedge clippers, pruners, fruit pickers, or chain saws.