The Smart Eco Shopper - 5 Habits That Will Save You $ and Help the Environment.

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1. Make a list before you go shopping. Take your time. Before you write something down, ask yourself these questions: “Can I live without it?” “How important is it? On a scale of 1 to ten, ten being a life-or-death item, how would I rate this item?” If it's less than a 5, consider holding off and trying to find a greener alternative.
2. Take a break for a few minutes, then go back over your list and cross off any items that you can make out of reused or recycled items in your home. These include organizers, furniture, cleaners, decorations, simple gifts, toys, linens, etc. Surf the internet and look for DIY project ideas. Have fun with it!
3. Once you have a list of things you need to purchase, circle the items that can be purchased in bulk and stored and/or used in smaller containers you already have, such as old spaghetti jars, baby food jars, shampoo bottles, etc. Make it a point to try and buy those items in bulk.
4. Stick to your list! Leave your card at home and carry enough cash to cover what's on the list and nothing more. That way, if you're tempted to make that impulse purchase, you won't be able to.
5. Give to get. Before you go shopping, go through your shopping list and make a resolution to get rid of one item for every item you intend to purchase. So, if you intend to purchase a new coat for the winter, for example, you have to get rid of one clothing item to make room for it. When grocery shopping, pull items off your shelves our out of your fridge that are about to expire and make a menu that will include using those items first before the fresh food.