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 STARŪ 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 ------- |