Making smart choices as a consumer is a powerful weapon against pollution and environmental damage. There are 27 eco-friendly choices you can make in this category.

Buy refillables

When shopping for cleaning products, etc., always buy refills when available to reduce the amount of packaging. (Refills are usually cheaper, too!)

Take the Tailpipe Tally

Find out how your current vehicle compares for fuel effiiciency and pollution, or use it to make good buying decisions for your next vehicle: Tailpipe Tally

Buy eco-friendly gifts

When it comes time to buy birthday or holiday gifts for others, choose environmentally friendly gifts, shop from companies that make environmental protection a part of their mission, or buy from companies that give a portion of the proceeds to charities.

Use a water filter and refillable water bottle

Americans spend millions of dollars a year on bottled water, which adds to the amount of plastic containers thrown away every day. By purchasing a refillable water bottle and using fiiltered water, you can greatly reduce waste and save yourself a bundle!

You can also try this: at home, at work and at school

Pick up trash

If you see trash on the street or neighborhood, pick it up! Even if it's not your garbage, its still your planet!

You can also try this: at home, at work and at school

Buy efficient fluorescent light bulbs

New compact fluorescent bulbs use 75% less energy than a standard incandescent - and last about 10 times as long! You'll save an estimated 500 lbs of CO2 and $30 a year!

You can also try this: for companies

Buy food in bulk & repack in reusable containers

Less packaging is used when you buy in bulk - and it's usually a lot cheaper too! Once you get the food home, you can repack it in individual, reusable containers, like Tupperware.

Buy “recycled” clothing

Retro is in - and thrift shops offer a wide variety of cool clothing for a fraction of the cost of retail stores.

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Nothing is truly disposable!

Think twice about buying "disposable" products. (They really aren't disposable and are extravagant wastes of the world's resources.) This includes dispoable dust clothes, diapers, etc.

Minimize non-biodegradable packaging

Avoid buying food or household products in plastic or styrofoam containers whenever possible. (They cannot be recycled and do not break down in the environment.)

You can also try this: for companies

Buy pump instead of aerosol sprays

Chlorofluorocarbons used in aerosol sprays contribute to ozone depletion. When there is a pump spray available, buy that one. If there isn't a pump spray available, write to the manufacturer and ask them to make one.

Shop with re-usable shopping bags

Bring canvas or net bags with you to the store. When they ask "paper or plastic", tell them "none, thanks, I have my own!".

Buy products made from post-consumer recycled content

When purchasing paper products, choose products with the highest percentage of recycled content —post-consumer recycled content is the best. Choose tree-free paper alternatives if possible.

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Smarter air-conditioning

Use fans instead of air-conditioners if possible. (Fans with intake and exhaust fans work best, pulling cool air in and blowing hot air out.) If you must use an air conditioner, be sure to buy an Energy Star rated model, and select the correct size.

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Choose an Energy Star rated clothes washer

Energy Star washers not only use less water per load (18 to 25 gallons on average; front-loading models use as little as five gallons) but also extract more water from clothes, reducing drying time.

Buy energy efficient dryers

At this time, there are no dryers that carry the Energy Star label, so look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts the machine off when clothes are dry.

Buy fish that are caught in an environmentally responsible manner

If you choose to eat fish, you can help keep the marine ecosystem healthy, without compromising freshness and taste by making smart buying choices.

You can also try this: at home and at work

Check the numbers on the bottom of plastic products

On the bottom of every plastic product, (including body lotion bottles, soda and water bottles, contact lenses, etc.), there is a number printed that corresponds to the kind of plastic used. If there is no number, the item isn't recyclable.

You can also try this: for kids, for companies, at school, at work and at home  But wait, there's more!

Be green when you clean

Purchase only eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and avoid/limit disposable cleaning products.

You can also try this: for companies

Purchase eco-friendly (and animal safe) personal hygiene products

Look for products that do not use animal products and are not tested on animals.

Get trendy with home décor

Natural fibers and flooring are in fashion! Look for interior design items made from recycled and natural materials.

You can also try this: at home

Use rechargeable batteries

Disposable batteries are expensive and wasteful. Although rechargable battery sets can be slightly more expensive up-front, you'll save a lot of money in the long-term. You can save up to $1200 a year!

You can also try this: at school, at work and at home

Join the Road Hog Reduction Campaign

Personal vehicles presently account for nearly one-quarter of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Visit SUV.org for important information about SUVs and light trucks.

You can also try this: at home

Buy locally grown food and locally made products when possible

Avoid products made from endangered trees

For a list of trees on the endangered list, visit the Rainforest Action Network's endangered trees page.

You can also try this: for companies

If purchasing a vehicle with a gas engine...

A smaller engine will result in greater fuel efficiency and less air pollution. Try to avoid add-ons that add weight and/or drag, and avoid using 4-wheel drive unless absolutely necessary. 4-wheel drive reduces fuel efficiency.

You can also try this: while driving

Go Hybrid!

Consider buying a hybrid car the next time you're looking to buy a vehicle. Hybrids have made real strides in the past few years, and while they may be a little pricey up-front, they can save you big bucks in gas.

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