Before you head out to the stores, ask yourself these questions before you decide to buy:

• Is my current one sufficient?
• Can I reuse or refurbish what I have to meet my needs?
• Can I borrow it from a family member, friend, or neighbor?
• Can I rent or lease the item if it is used infrequently? 
• Can I share the cost with someone who can also use it?
• Will I be able to maintain it?
• Can I recycle it once I am done with it?
• Can I donate the item I’m replacing?

Everyone knows the three R’s: Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Add a fourth one: If you can answer yes to at least one of the questions above then refuse to buy something you really don’t need or want. Then you won’t have to reduce, reuse, or recycle it!

If you’ve examined your motivation and have determined that you must purchase, Look for items that are green or environmentally preferable products, reusable, durable, require little or no maintenance, and are recyclable.

Additional Resource

http://www.ipcc.ch/

http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/sustainability/green_purchasing.shtml