WHEN SHOPPING
-buy CFC-free aerosols. Better still, choose non-aerosol products such as roll-on deodorants, liquid furniture polish or car polish
-buy recycled tissue or toilet paper
-try to buy
in bulk
it saves packaging and money
-avoid produts designed for a short lifespan i.e disposables
-cut down the use of plastic bags. Reuse old bags or bring your own shopping bag
-when you have to buy or replace a washing machine, consider a front loading machine
-say 'no' to products you know involve endangering wildlife or plants under threat i.e ivory, tortoise shells, reptile skins
-get into the habit of using a tiffin carrier or your own container for take away food! Reject styrofoam boxes.
-Buy products in containers that you'll reuse (glass jars, resealable containers).
-Return refillable bottles. They can be reused up to 20 times.
-Bring your own canvas bag when you go shopping. Minimize the use of paper and plastic bags, and reuse them for lunches or leftovers.
-Donate reusable items you no longer need to thrift shops. Shopping at thrift shops also helps.
-Buy gifts that benefit the environment. These could include memberships in environmental organizations, hand-made and home-made gifts, gardening items or long-lasting "environmental" gifts like a solar battery charger with rechargeable batteries, water-conserving shower heads or ceramic mugs. For kids, consider giving an environmental excursion, like a whale-watching or camping trip.
-Use recycled and reusable materials in your gift wrapping and packaging. Buy recycled wrapping paper, use popcorn for packing and reuse your packing materials. You can also use reused, and reusable, boxes, baskets, bags and tins. Old cards can be recycled into gift tags. If you are entertaining, send invitations on recycled paper, buy in bulk, and use reusable dishes and utensils. If you need paper products, buy products made from recycled paper. Set up an area to recycle cans, bottles and other recyclables at your party. Decorate with plants, flowers and reused materials instead of plastic streamers. Rent or borrow infrequently used items like punchbowls or large platters.
-After the holiday season is over, save your old cards, wrapping paper and packing materials for reuse. If you have styrofoam peanuts left over, you can donate them to the nearest Mail Boxes, Etc. so that they can reuse them. You can also arrange to have your old holiday cards reused.