The Green Shopper!

With the launch of the new film, "Confessions of a shopaholic", here's our tips to becoming an eco friendly shopper....

A family of four can save $3,000 a year simply by buying products in the largest size they can use and by buying long lasting reusable items. Think about the effect of your purchases on the environment when you shop. Items with excess packaging and products that need to be discarded after only a few uses cost more money, use up valuable resources and create more waste.

BUY PRODUCTS IN THE LARGEST SIZE YOU CAN USE; AVOID EXCESS PACKAGING

A family of four can save $2,000 a year in the supermarket by choosing large sizes instead of individual serving sizes. Remember, 10% of every shopping dollar is used to pay for packaging. Small sizes use more packaging for each ounce of product than larger sizes. So, if you buy large sizes, you save money, reduce waste, and help the environment. That is a really good buy. Here are a few good examples, look for others the next time you shop.

Buy cereal in a large box instead of in individual serving sizes.
Buy juice in concentrates and use reuseable containers instead of single serving packages.
Save money by buying bottled water in a large plastic jug instead of six packs of 16 ounce bottles. Reuse plastic water bottles.
Buy large packages of sugar and flour.
Avoid the small boxes of raisins and buy the same amount in the 24 ounce box.

BUY REUSABLE AND LONG LASTING ITEMS

Products that can be reused are cheaper in the long run than those you throw away and buy over and over again. Goods that are designed to last a long time are also cheaper in the long run than those that wear out quickly. A family can save $1,000 each year buy buying reusable and long lasting products.

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 a real camera instead of disposable ones. If you take 24 pictures each month you will save $144 each year.

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.

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.