6 ways to shop eco-friendly

These cleaning and health solutions are typically tablets or cartridges you dilute with water in reusable containers, eliminating excess packaging and waste.

With a little extra thought, making sustainable purchasing decisions can become second nature. The next time you pull out your pocketbook, use this advice as a guide.

Choose less packaging. From plastic produce bags to detergent bottles, many products we buy require containers that must be recycled or, worse, thrown away. For a lighter carbon footprint, choose packaging made of easily recycled materials like cardboard, aluminum and glass. Or opt for products with no package at all ( just be careful not to damage them on the way home.) For example, some bar soaps are sold without a box or wrap- per -- so you can use them with zero waste.

Limit single-serve coffee. One-cup coffee machines may be convenient, but all those spent pods pile up quickly. Instead, choose reusable or recyclable pods. We like that Lab-favorite Nespresso makes fully recyclable capsules.

Try concentrated products. These cleaning and health solutions are typically tablets or cartridges you dilute with water in reusable containers, eliminating excess packaging and waste. And because these items weigh less, the energy and carbon emissions required for transport are lower. Our Cleaning Lab pros recommend Truman’s Refillable Cleaners.

Switch to reusable. You may already bring canvas bags to the grocery store but reducing your reliance on single-use plastic snack and sandwich bags can stop them from end- ing up in landfills and oceans. Our Kitchen Appliances Lab likes Stasher’s silicone bags because they come in many sizes and are great for storing small items while traveling.

Buy secondhand. When it comes to clothing, the best way to be sustainable is by reusing it. Even if an item contains natural or recycled fibers, the production process requires a lot of energy and water. Shop at consignment stores or sites like eBay and ThredUp. If you have to buy new, look for items made with recycled polyester, which is often created from plastic water bottles.

Use plant-based cleaners. Cleaning products with plant-based ingredients, like Tide PurClean Laundry Detergent, are generally safer for the environment. You can also look for items with a blueand-green EPA Safer Choice label and seek out brands that openly list all ingredients on packaging.

COURTESY OF MIKE GARTEN You may already bring canvas bags to the grocery store, but reducing your reliance on single-use plastic snack and sandwich bags can stop them from ending up in landfills and oceans.