You probably don't go to the store saying "I think I'll buy some garbage today." But depending on which products you choose, that's partly what you're doing. By purchasing stuff that's over-packaged or disposable, your cash ends up as trash.

• To start, bring reusable cloth bags when grocery shopping. Many stores offer credit for bringing your own bag.
• Choose products that are returnable, reusable, or refillable over single-use items.
• Buy large containers of items or from bulk bins whenever practical.
• Avoid individually wrapped items, snack packs, and single-serve containers; buy a larger quantity instead and use a reusable container that you can wash and use again.
• Be aware of double-packaging - some "bulk packages" are just individually wrapped items packaged yet again and sold as a bulk item.
• Purchase items such as dish soap and laundry detergents in concentrate forms.