Shop Local: Buy local whenever possible. That way, less fuel is used to move goods long distances and to cool warehouses.

Think Green: When out shopping or even before you shop, ask yourself: Do I really need it? Will I use this? Do I already own this or can I borrow this? Think carefully when choosing what and how much to buy.

Shop wisely: Buy the best-made, most durable product that is built to last longest without needing replacement.

Focus on Reuse: Reusables add beauty, character and charm to your life, save you cash, protect trees and keep plastic and other synthetic substances out of landfills. Easy choices include cloth shopping bags, dish cloths and towels, personal water bottles, coffee mugs, resealable leftover containers, and picnic/party/barbecue staples such as plates, cups, napkins and utensils. Ditch the one-use paper or plastic for ceramic, glass, cloth, metal or wood. BYO -- bring your own – bottle/cup, reusable straws and utensils for casual/fast food restaurants. Organizations like Rogue to Go in Ashland have launched reusable, sanitized to-go container projects.

Buy in Bulk: Cut waste, packaging and cost by buying products in bulk. You’ll also save gas. Also look for products labeled as containing recycled packaging.

Share: Consider borrowing, renting or even sharing items you don’t use often, such as tools, party decorations or furniture.

Buy Second-Hand/Vintage/Salvage: Clothes, appliances, furniture, books, movies and even computers can be bought second-hand at a fraction of the retail price. Smart shoppers know what they can find at their local thrift, resale, vintage, salvage and even antique stores – including new, or like-new, items or “vintage” goods built to last longer. Salvaged materials such as those found at Heartwood Resources in Green or Bring Recycling in Eugene can be used for the home or art. Habitat for Humanity Restores, such as those in Coos Bay, Eugene or Medford, sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances at nonprofit prices.

Repair: Maintaining and repairing items you already own such as clothes, tires and appliances extends their useful lives, saves you money and keeps stuff out of landfills. Repair items yourself if you can or make a trip to a local repair shop.

Repurpose: Kick your creativity up a notch and discover what you can repurpose.

Rehome/Donate: You can keep items out of landfills by donating new or used clothes, electronics, building materials and more that others might need. Consider saving packaging (paper towel tubes, rubber bands, etc.), colored paper, egg cartons and other items to use or donate as art supplies.

Additional Resources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Reducing and Reusing Basics
• Oregon Department of Environmental Quality: Waste Prevention and Reuse