Knowing what's truly en-vironmentally responsi-ble and what's just hype (or greenwashing) can be tough for the average person. There are whole constellations of products that boast of being natural, preservative-free, "fair traded" and healthy, but it can take quite a bit of self-education to know what is and what isn't truly good for you and the planet. As consumption-crazed Americans, we could all stand to buy less stuff, but the truth is that even the most monastic among us still needs to go shopping, whether for new sheets, baby shower gifts or next week's menus. While it may be a virtuous New Year's resolution to buy nothing this year, an easier (and more realistic) solution might be to buy less and buy responsibly. (While bartering, buying used or making your own are all great ways to cut down on planet-destroying consumerism, they're not everybody's cup of tea).
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