I have been impressed with the State Journal 's additional "green " articles on how individuals can do their part to help the environment today. However, the recent "Go Green " insert failed to mention that not buying so much stuff is great for the environment.

Manufactured goods are everywhere: cell phones, food packaging, stereos, furniture, toys, clothing -- the list goes on and on. The amount of energy that goes into making these products is astounding.

Everyone should do their part to reduce energy consumption within their homes. But people also should buy used items whenever possible.

Rather than getting a new road bike last year, I bought a sturdy used one from an Internet classified service. The energy that goes into producing a bicycle --welding the body together, manufacturing the rims, etc. -- add up. If we all do our part and decrease the demand for new products, manufacturers won 't make as many in the long run. How about toys? Neighbors and friends may very well be willing to give away old toys their kids no longer play with.

Lots of new "eco " products are coming out that are made of hemp, or other environmentally friendly material. But all these things are still manufactured. Instead, buy used items whose carbon footprint already is established.

In addition, I hope everyone can use fewer disposable and convenience goods, including such things as paper towels, plastic and paper plates, disposable silverware and paper napkins. If you are really ambitious, you can also stop buying facial tissues and feminine care products.

I had the opportunity to intern at a paper products company last semester. I worked on an industrial strength paper towel production line. The process takes wood pulp in bales, wets it down, mixes it, spreads it out on a large sheet, and then dries it. All of this so that you can use it to wipe grease off your car and throw away the towel. The amount of heat that went into drying this product was unbelievable.

If you think about how paper and plastic disposable goods are made, it may make you think twice before you buy them the next time you run to Target, Wal-Mart, or the grocery store.

Use fabric towels to wipe up messes in the kitchen. Rinse and reuse. At potlucks, use as much silverware as you can. You 'll have to wash everything afterwards, but you won 't be putting anything in the landfill. (Use cooler water, it takes energy to make hot water too). Use fabric napkins as well.

Ambitious individuals can use handkerchiefs rather than tissues. As for feminine products, there is an alternative: menstrual cups. Some popular names are DivaCup and the Keeper. They are latex or silicone "cups " that only need to be changed every 12 hours. They are reusable for years. Not only are you saving money (menstrual cups cost about $30 for the lifetime of 10 years), but you are also reducing waste. For more information see www.divacup.com or www.keeper.com.

It is always hard to change our living habits. But even if you try, it 's a good start.

Chou lives in Madison.