Help protect the planet by looking for products that will generate the least amount of waste in their manufacture, use, and disposal. Ease the impact on landfills by looking for products made from recycled content or those that use the least amount of packaging.

Buy Recycled

Look for items that contain recycled content, rather than virgin materials. Recycled content is used in a number of eco-friendly products from pencils to notebooks, jackets to sneakers, and even dog beds. Purchasing these products reduces the consumption of new materials, reduces landfill waste, and supports the market for recycling. And recycled content is now easier than ever to find. Take a peek at product labels and you will find insulation made from recycled denim, sweatshirts made from recycled cotton, and even toothbrushes made from recycled yogurt containers.

Minimize Packaging

Most of the products you will find on store shelves come packaged in plastics, boxes, and bags. If you have a choice between two products at the store, opt for the item with the least packaging or with packaging that you can reuse around your house.

Avoid Nonrecyclable Packaging

Any product can label itself as recyclable, but that doesn't necessary mean that it is recyclable in your area. For instance, most yogurt brands are packaged in cups made from #5 plastic. This type of plastic is technically recyclable, but facilities that accept #5 plastic are few and far between.

If your local recycling center does not accept certain types of plastic or paper, try to avoid bringing any home. Instead, choose products in containers that are easily recyclable in your area.

Skip Disposables

Disposable products take a toll on the environment in the resources they use and the pollution and waste they create. And while they may seem inexpensive at first glance, their costs add up each time they must be replaced. According to Earth 911, a family of four can save $1,000 each year by purchasing reusable products instead of disposables. Here's how they break it down:

Batteries: In the months and years to come, you will go through a mountain of batteries in toys, flashlights, baby monitors, and radios. Earth 911 estimates that by switching to rechargeable batteries instead of disposables in even one CD player, you can save $200 each year.

Camera: You are sure to take loads of pictures in the months ahead. If you take a roll of pictures each month, you will save $144 each year by investing in a reusable camera rather than a disposable (go digital and you will save even more on film and processing).

Diapers: You can save $600 a year by using cloth diapers (even with a diaper service) instead of disposables.

Kitchen supplies: Save over $260 each year on paper towels and napkins by using reusable napkins, sponges, and cloth towels instead of the throw-away variety.

The money you save by going green, will help you afford more important expenses, like college, vacations, and babysitters!