Simple Shopping Know-How
November 2, 2007 by Jennifer
Shopping is ok. Really; everyone needs some items but it’s seriously unthinkable that we need everything we buy. I’m not perfect either so I don’t want to sound all preachy on you but there are some items you don’t need.
Like maybe all those knick knacks or an extra set of dishes just because they’re half off. I can’t guess your’s or your family’s comfort level when it comes to “having things” but I do know that if you want to go green the first big step is to limit your belongings to a more necessity based approach.
That’s not to say you can’t buy a beautiful piece of art or a new album or book or even lots of art supplies but there are some green shopping guidelines to follow.
When I first started thinking green I used to carry a little slip of paper with me that had notes on it to remind me to use more eco-sense when shopping. My slip of paper looked something like this:
Ask yourself these questions before you buy:
- Do I have one already?
- Do I need more of this item?
- Can I borrow this from someone else?
- Can I use something I already have instead?
- Is it recyclable?
- Will I make good use of it (honestly)?
Sometimes I still make a purchase even after asking myself these questions because it turns out that it would be a good purchase for me or my home or son. To a much lesser extent I will sometimes simply buy something just because I do really want it; like art, a dress, or candles. I try to keep pure want purchases to a minimum though.
After asking yourself these questions you may decide you really do need the product try to buy a green version of it from a green company. If you honestly aren’t positive you need it simply write it down and use a seven day waiting period. If you still need it after seven days go ahead and get it. If it’s not worth a trek back to the store than you likely didn’t need it in the first place.
What are you doing to keep your shopping habits more necessity based?