Say you drive an older automobile that gets pretty good gas mileage. You want to step up to a new Prius or some other beautiful, technologically advanced hybrid automobile. But green wisdom dictates that one should use the older car for as long as possible before purchasing a new vehicle, and preferably a used one at that. Manufacturing new vehicles is a significantly environmentally taxing process. A lot of environmentally damaging chemicals go into the production of automobiles.
On the other hand, if cars ran forever, and we never bought another new car again, we would be stuck with gas guzzling vehicles. There is something to be said for progress. As we vote with our wallet we push technology forward thanks to competition. If no one bought the Toyota Prius, then companies wouldn’t see the need to build the new all electric vehicles. And as we purchase these vehicles technology will improve every year.
The same argument can be said for solar panels, televisions, water heaters, homes, and clothing. Purchasing a home and making it as energy efficient as possible is great, but if it weren’t for the rich consumers who have paid handsomely to build their luxury, custom, technologically advanced, energy efficient homes we wouldn’t have some of the technology to remodel our homes with.
Personally, when I'm deciding if I shouldmake a new or a used purchase, I decide whether or not the product may enrich my life. And if I am replacing an item I consider the likelihood of the item being put to good use by someone else. I do not know if this is the best approach, but I am trying to look ahead whenever I consume resources. 
Michael Edwards is editor-in-chief of Green Lifestyle Magazine and Organic Lifestyle Magazine.
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