Green Your Shopping Trip -- Buy Less

From the thrift store to the produce stand, our shopping tips will help you keep your green.

Tip #3: Buy Less, Swap More

Sure, green is the new black and eco-conscious shoppers are fortunate that trendy stores are now bursting with organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo goodness. Replacing all of your belongings with better, greener things is tempting, but give your wallet and the planet a break: Don't buy what you don't need. Before rushing to replace broken or torn possessions, take a stab at mending or repurposing. If you're in the mood for a fresh wardrobe, host a clothing swap party with friends. Exchange clothes and knickknacks for interesting items from people around the globe at Gimme Your Stuff. Visit Swapnstuff or Swaptree to trade CDs, DVDs, books, and video games for free. The next time you're tempted to buy a new product with claims of green greatness, remember author Leslie Garrett's advice:  "The greenest products are the ones you don't buy."

How do you buy less? Share your tips!