Most of us already know the main mantra environmentalist hippies like me tend to chant. . . reduce, reuse, recycle; but many may not be aware these guidelines are also written in the same order we should use when consuming resources. The questions to begin to ask when changing your consumption patterns are:

When you determine a purchase is necessary, a good next guideline to employ is to “vote with your dollar” and buy from companies that make a quality product and align best with your world views.

Unfortunately, a significant portion of the grocery store products available to us fall under just a few manufacturing companies (Google search for “grocery products by corporation” for a potential eye-opener). Other complicating factors are the establishment’s asking price, location, and employment practices. We all want goods at the best price possible, but where you spend your dollars matters—local is best, especially when the business treats its employees as a valuable resource (not a cog in a machine).

1. Do I really need it?

2. Can I repurpose something I already have to fulfill the need? and

3. Once finished, can I use the item again or get it to someone else who can?