Do f need?
           Will I use?
     Do I already own?
                            Be green! When you're out
                            shopping, carefully choose what
                            you buy and how much of it.
                                                Do You Ready
                                                     Need It?
                                      Need something you don't use regularly?
                                      Borrow, rent, or share items that are used infrequently, like
                                      party decorations, tools, or furniture.
                                      Maintain and repair things you already own,
                                      like clothing, furniture, and appliances, so they won't have to
                                      be thrown out and replaced as frequently.
      How "Green"
             Is It?
                       Companies can design their products to have
                       as little environmental impact as possible.
                       Keep an eye out for products that are designed
                       with the environment in mind/
                   Does the company that makes your product have
                   green values and practice sustainability?
                   Do some research before buying! Some companies participate in EPA programs to
                   help green their business practices, and others have eco-labels and standards to help
                   consumers make the greener choice: www.epo.gov/greenproducts
                   ENERGY STAR®
                   ENERGY STAR products are independently certified to save energy without
                   sacrificing features or functionality. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to
                   save money on your energy bills and help protect our environment.
                   WaterSense
                   WaterSense labeled products are backed by independent certification,
                   and they meet EPA's specifications for water efficiency and performance.
            U.S. EPA
      Design for the Environment (DfE)
      The Design for the Environment (DfE) label allows consumers to
      quickly identify and choose products that can help protect the
      environment and are safer for families.
                   fs it built to last?
                   The more durable a product is, the less likely you'll need to replace it.
                   fs it made of recycled materials and easily recyclable?
                   Check the label to see if the product is made from recycled materials and
                   if it can be recycled. Buying products with recycled content encourages
                   manufacturers to make more recycled-content products available.
                   fs it sustainable?
                   Consider buying sustainably and locally produced products, which may
                   reduce environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions.
                   fs it more eco-friendly to buy your product in bulk?
                   If you use this product a lot, you could be reducing waste by buying your
                   product in bulk instead of buying smaller, individual amounts.
 Buy reusable instead of disposable items.
 For example, bring your own silverware and cups to lunch,
 rather than using disposable items.
                                            Can You
                                           Reuse ft?
        Can You
     Buy ft Used?
                       Save money!
                       You can find everything from clothes to building materials
                       at consignment shops and specialized reuse centers. Used
                       items are often less expensive and just as good as new.
&EPA
 EPA530-F-14-004
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
For more information on what you can do to reduce,
reuse, and recycle, please go to www.epa.gov/recycie
 ' Opportunities to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Materials and Land Management Practices (PDF)
  httpy/www.epa.gov/oswer/docs/ghg_land_and_materials_management.pdf

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