I am taking the opportunity to reiterate why I created Big Green Purse, a campaign to motivate women especially to channel their spending power into social and environmental change.

It is because I believe…

*  the fastest, most effective way to stop polluters is by pressuring them in the marketplace

*  women can be the world’s most powerful economic and environmental force if we intentionally shift our spending to the best green products and services

* women have the power right now to solve many of our most serious environmental problems by using our green purses to make a difference

* women must act – intentionally, collectively, and with the full force of our purse power behind us – if we hope to leave our children and grandchildren a better world.

Women spend $.85 of every dollar in the marketplace. I believe we should tell manufacturers what to make; they should not be telling us what to buy.

I believe we only have as much power as we exercise. I also believe exercising our power gives us more.

I believe it is not too late … but it will be soon.

As the saying goes, if not us, who? If not now, when?

I believe it is up to us, and we must act now.

See what more green moms and friends believe on Monday, February, 9, when The Smart Mama hosts the next Green Moms Carnival.

The post Why I Believe in the Power of the Purse appeared first on Big Green Purse.

These are good habits to develop, even if many of us have been forced into them. But what will happen when the financial crisis eases (which it eventually will) and we start to feel money jiggling in our pockets again? It could be tempting to forgo our new behavior patterns and rush out to buy SUVs, the newest electronic gadget, and more clothes than we can possibly wear. That would be a shame. If the financial meltdown has taught us anything, it should be that the way we spend our money matters. When we have dollars to dole out again, we should do so not only to meet our material needs, but to bolster the green economy, too.

The post When You Start Spending Money Again, Make a Difference: Choose Green Products and Services appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Organic cotton bed linens are luxurious but expensive – until they go on sale. Gaiam.com’s annual green sale is underway now, making organic bedding far more affordable. Sample:

Organic wool comforters – normally $249; on sale for $201

Organic cotton pillow – normally  $50; on sale for $37

Organic cotton flannel sheets – 20% off

If you’re looking for ways to shift your spending to more eco-friendly products, shop sales like these!

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