Many of the things we purchase were designed to make our lives easier and give us more free time.  Simpler living has measurable health benefits. Save money, reduce stress, reduce clutter, and make time for the truly important things by trying to adopt a simple lifestyle.

Remember that our purchases have an environmental impact when they are manufactured and again when they are discarded. Try to live simply so that others may simply live.

Shopping can be fun, but it can also become an addiction. Before buying something, always ask yourself if you need it and if you can afford it. Pope Francis would be very happy for us.

Get in the habit of looking at your purchases socially and environmentally.

Forbes Magazine recently featured a list of companies whose products were considered best for the environment.

Learn what you can about the stores where you shop, and ask that they start stocking goods that are environmentally responsible.

Try to evaluate as many of your purchases from an environmental perspective as much as you can.  For example, products that traditionally came in glass containers (like cooking oil) now come almost increasingly in plastic bottles.  Whenever possible, buy the glass container.