“Pruning” is a gardening term. When you prune a tree, you cut off stray or unnecessary branches to make the tree fuller and healthier the next season. If you, your friends and family "prune" your buying habits, you'll be creating a healthier planet. The challenge is to buy less and don't buy things you don't need. Most of our "stuff" eventually ends up in the garbage and then straight to the landfill. Sometimes ads on television or friends make us think we need the cool new toy or latest style shoes. Find a group of friends who care about the earth as much as you do and promise to help each other "prune" this spring.

Here are some helpful tips:
Start a “Friends Library.” Borrow each other’s CDs, toys and books. With your parents’ permission, make a pact to take good care of your borrowed goods and always agree on when they’ll be returned. Use your city‘s library. It can put thousands of books, CDs and DVDs at your fingertips.

If you must shop, plan to go to thrift stores and second-hand shops before you head to new shops or the mall. You’ll find great one-of-a-kind items at much lower prices. It's a great way to express your individuality. Use a reusable container instead of buying new water bottles. Before you head to the trash with any item–old clothes, shoes, books–ask yourself, “Is this still in usable condition and may someone else want this?” If the answer is "yes,” then donate the item to a charity or resell it to a second-hand store.

For more inspiration and ideas on buying less, visit www.kidsface.org. Started by a 9-year-old girl in 1990, this organization, Kids for A Clean Environment, provides information on environmental issues and encourages involvement.


< back