Last month, as part of Break the Addiction's 12-Step Program, you learned how to Go Paperless. Now it's time for you to put your money where your mouth is and take Step 8: Shop Smarter.

Buying stuff is a part of life, especially around the holidays. But you can use your spending power for good by stopping to consider the effect your purchases have on the environment. Here are a few points to keep in mind before handing over your cash:

Cut it out! Much of what we buy is wrapped in unnecessary, bulky packaging that will end up polluting our land. You can reduce your personal impact on the environment by purchasing things that have less packaging, and by always recycling your waste.

Read the labels. Pay attention to where products are made. If you can, buy those that are made close to home, since less energy was used to transport them. Remember, every time something travels, CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere, which, at high levels, contributes to global warming. Locally produced goods not only support the economy of your community, they are also better for the earth.

Shop in numbers. When you're doing your holiday shopping, grab a few friends and take one car to the mall. You can be eco-friendly in almost anything you do. Don't forget Mother Earth ... she hasn't forgotten you!

The 3 G's of holiday shopping -- Give Green Gifts You can purchase green tags to support renewable energy sources. Or, offer a present with zero waste, like digital music or membership to a museum. You can donate your time to a homeless shelter, or get involved in a local environmental group. Even better, give your school and community a green gift by joining the Campus Climate Challenge today!

So, this holiday season, consider how you can spread the joy of gift-giving without wreaking havoc on the planet. In the end, isn't the ability to live in a healthy, safe environment the best gift of all?