At Big Green Purse, we advocate shifting your spending to the greenest products and services available. That also means buying from companies that make a difference when it comes to protecting our health and the health of the planet.

As part of our Earth Day service, we are partnering with sustainable food innovator Hampton Creek Foods to shine a spotlight on 5 eco-friendly companies you may not know about.

LOLIWARE

This company was formed in response to the huge amount of waste generated by food and beverage packaging. The zero-waste idea is that you can actually eat the party cups the company makes rather than throw them away.

The cups are made of plant-based ingredients, including seaweed, organic sweeteners, and flavors and colors derived from fruits and vegetables.

Although an edible cup may seem too perishable to be useful, LOLIWARE claims each container can hold a beverage for 24 hours without disintegrating. The product, which you can compost if you don’t want to eat, comes in several different flavors, including tart cherry (pictured above), citrus, matcha green tea, and vanilla bean, as well as an unflavored option.

I haven’t tried LOLIWARE yet myself, but have requested samples for review on Big Green Purse. I’ll let you know how I like it.

Salty Girl Seafood

Do you wonder which fish you can eat without totally depleting the species in the wild?

Salty Girl Seafood wants to help you make sustainable choices. The California-based company sells fish that are wild caught in environmentally responsible ways and “traceable,” which means that they can tell you both where the fish came from and how it was caught.

Salty Girl also partners with FishWise.org, an organization that promotes sustainable business practices that will help ocean ecosystems recover.  All the seafood it sells traceable, sometimes down to the vessel that harvested it, by means of a high-tech tracking code attached to each package.

The company sells both frozen and smoked seafood, in packages like “pacific rockfish with garlic fresh veggies” and “black cod with sweet & smoky teriyaki.”

Sungevity

Sungevity is a solar electricity company that leases, installs, and maintains solar panels on the roofs of homes and businesses.

The idea behind leasing solar panels is simple: many people who would love to make the switch to a sun-powered home or office lack the funds needed to purchase and install the equipment in the first place.

With Sungevity’s lease option, building owners can switch to solar and do the earth some good without investing a lot of money at the beginning. The fact that Sungevity maintains its leased equipment makes the process more feasible for many homeowners.

In addition to conserving the earth’s resources by promoting solar energy for daily electricity needs, Sungevity collaborates with many eco-conscious nonprofit organizations. These partnerships help to spread the word about the benefits of solar power, and they help raise funds for the nonprofits involved. Sungevity also works with Powered by Light, a charitable organization that helps off-grid schools in Zambia and other places make use of clean, sustainable sources of energy.

Better World Books

This online bookstore is doing its part to reuse and recycle on a global scale.

In addition to its drive for green business practices, Better World Books is on a social mission to increase literacy worldwide.

The company rescues books that would otherwise be headed for a landfill and either sells them online or donates them through its many partner programs. For every book purchased through its online store, Better World Books donates a book to a literacy-focused nonprofit, such as Books for Africa.

Hampton Creek Foods

Hampton Creek Foods has been breaking ground in the sustainable food market.

What is Hampton Creek It is not a geographical location or a farm stand, as the name might imply. It is a high-tech food company, pioneering research in plant-based alternatives to traditionally animal-based foods.

One of Hampton Creek’s core ideas is that, if the company creates a great-tasting, affordable product, making the switch to sustainable, healthy foods will be the natural choice for the everyday consumer.

Hampton Creek’s Just Mayo product, made without eggs, is one of its most popular products for these reasons. The company also produces various salad dressings, cookies and even cookie dough that’s safe to eat because it doesn’t contain eggs.

Happy Earth Day!

Creating a more sustainable world happens one step at a time, one eco-conscious decision at a time.

The next time you are in need of a specific product or service, come back to biggreenpurse.com, where you can learn more about all kinds of companies that are making green choices as well as giving back to their communities.

And remember, use your purse and pocketbook to make a difference. When you switch your spending to the best products and services available, you protect yourself, your loved ones and the planet – and you help motivate companies to do the right thing!

The post 5 Eco-Friendly Companies You Should Know About appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Next to your mortgage (if you have one), you probably spend more money on food and groceries than any other item in your budget. You can cut expenses way down by following some of these ingenious and eco-friendly ways to save money on groceries:

1) Eat the food you buy. I’m not being facetious. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that people throw away 30 percent of the groceries they buy because the food spoils before it is eaten or people lose track of leftovers in their fridge or freezer. Keep a list of what you have in the fridge on the front door so you remember what you have to cook.

See also: The Three Best Ways to Reduce Food Waste

2) Love your leftovers. Many meals actually taste better reheated, especially those in sauces, like spaghetti, soups and stews. Want to get more creative? Use cooked vegetables, like green beans and potatoes, in a salad with carrots, tomatoes, and crisp greens.  Just add a little vinaigrette and eat up! Or, puree them and add them to soup.

3) Store food in air-tight containers. It’s worth investing in some good glass containers with tight-fitting lids so that when you put leftovers away, they’ll last a few days in the fridge. Use a piece of masking tape to date and label what’s inside.

4) Give up bottled water. In most parts of the United States, local tap water is just as good as, if not better than, bottled water, and it’s many times cheaper. Buy a water filter and keep a pitcher of filtered tap water in the fridge. Or, fill up some reusable water bottles with filtered tap water. You can save $10-$15 a week, depending on how much bottled water you buy currently.

See also: 5 Best Reusable Water Bottles

5) Eat less meat. I’m primarily a vegetarian, but my kids eat meat once or twice a week. That probably adds $20 – $30 a week to my grocery bill. Cut back on serving meat as a main course, at the very least. A chicken-stir fry will use a lot less meat than serving a whole chicken breast.

6) Eat more vegetables and grains. For grains, try brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, wild rice and polenta. With veggies, whatever is in season and looks good works. If you’re not sure what to cook, check out our Meatless Monday recipes.

7) Cook your own beans, peas and lentils. You can buy a whole bag of dried beans, peas, and lentils, and cook up what you need. Or, you can spend twice the money to get them canned. Cooking them yourself just requires a little advance planning, since you need to soak them overnight or put them in a slow cooker. It’s worth the effort, not just because you’ll save money, but because they’ll be tastier and healthier, too. Canned food usually has way more salt in it than we want or need, and many food cans are lined with BPA, a nasty chemical linked to reproductive problems.

8) Replace meat with eggs for protein. I like protein as much as the next person, but I usually get mine from eggs. Twelve organic eggs costs around $4 a dozen where I live – but compare that to steak, which might be $8 or $9 a pound. Plus, a dozen eggs can feed five or six people; one measly steak is good for only one. There’s really no comparison where your budget is concerned.

1 Dozen Eggs – $4; Feeds 5 people

1 Steak – $8/$9; Feeds 1 person

9) Buy in bulk. If your store offers bulk bins, start shopping there. The price per pound will be significantly cheaper. Otherwise, you can buy bulk online or at big box stores. It makes sense to buy rice, popcorn, cereal, and many grains in bulk. You can buy meat in bulk, as well.

See also: The 10 Best Foods to Buy in Bulk

10) Identify the most and least expensive meals you regularly cook. Cook more of the meals that cost you less, and save the expensive foods for special occasions. For example, a vegetable-rich lasagna  with a salad might cost around $3.50 – $5.00 serving. Steak and potatoes would cost twice that.

11) Join a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture works by letting you buy a full or half share in the produce a farm generates in a season. It generally turns out to be a very generous delivery of greens and vegetables.

Want to find a CSA near you? Here’s where to look. 

12) Grow your own. At least in the summer, can you grow and harvest lettuces and tomatoes for salads, bush beans or pole beans, snap peas, squash, cucumbers, peppers, and more. Even if you buy the most expensive seeds (which you don’t need to do), you’ll save hundreds of dollars when your crops come in.

Get our Top 10 Tips for Organic Gardening right here.

13) Raise your own chickens. One of the fastest growing trends in the food world is that people in cities and suburbs are raising their own chickens, especially for the eggs. Check your municipal zoning regulations before getting started.

14) Shop with a list you make from recipes you plan to cook. You’ll avoid impulse buying by shopping for the ingredients you actually plan to use.

15) Skip single-serving pre-packaged food. It’s estimated that shoppers spend $1 out of every $11 on packaging we just throw away. Single servings are the worst offenders. Invest in reusable containers or bags, then dole out chips, cookies, nuts and other snacks or lunch items yourself. If you have kids, have them do that at night, after supper, so they learn early how to save money when they shop.

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The post 15 Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money on Groceries appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Here are links to 13 of the best eco labels in the market. What makes them so good? They’ve been defined by independent institutions or nonprofit organizations that have set meaningful criteria that companies must prove they’ve met in order to use the ecolabel in question. When you shop, look for these “third party” certifications to back up the claims a company makes regarding the environmental and human health benefits of their products.

NOTE: These ecolabels are among the best you’ll see when you shop. That doesn’t mean they’re perfect. They sometimes allow “wiggle room” for manufacturers, and they don’t take every possible impact into consideration. But don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good! The labels listed below are making things better, and driving manufacturers to reduce pollution, limit or eliminate use of toxic chemicals, and save energy. When we use them, we put the power of our purse to work to create support for strengthening the labels while helping to protect ourselves and our families.

Best Eco Labels

Organic – The U.S. Department of Agriculture collaborated with scientists, consumer groups, environmentalists and the agriculture industry to set standards for the meaning of the word “organic.” Products labeled “100 percent organic” must contain only organically produced ingredients. Products labeled “organic” must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients. Products meeting either set of requirements may display the USDA Organic seal on their packaging. Processed products that contain at least 70% organic ingredients may use the phrase “made with organic ingredients,” but may not use the organic seal. Processed products that contain less than 70% organic ingredients may not use the term “organic” other than to identify the specific ingredients that are organically produced in the ingredients statement. Overall, when it comes to food, the organic label, while not perfect, is the best indicator that no or minimal toxic pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics were used for growing and processing.

Green Seal – For more than 25 years, this non-profit, science-based organization has developed certification standards to minimize the environmental and health impacts related to cleaning products, coffee, paint, windows, even sticky notes. To earn the Green Seal, a product must meet rigorous evaluation and testing objectives, as must the facility where it is manufactured.

LEED – The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) label represents a green building rating system for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. A program of the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Forest Stewardship Council – FSC sets standards to ensure that forests are being managed in an environmentally responsible way, and that products like timber, paper and furniture are made sustainably. Look for it when you buy writing and copy paper, stationery, couches, chairs, dining room sets, flooring, framing timber, packaging and packing materials.

ENERGY STAR – This label, overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indicates homes and buildings, plus appliances, computers lightbulbs, copiers, printers, furnaces and many other products that meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines that help save energy and money and protect the environment.

Veriflora – This label is awarded to flower growers who do not use “extremely hazardous” or “highly hazardous” agrochemicals. The VeriFlora label also indicates that growers are converting to organic and sustainable crop production practices. The standard contains extensive water and ecosystem protection measures to ensure that farmers are not damaging surrounding wildlife or habitats. In addition, it requires growers to provide a fair, equitable, and safe workplace for their farmers.

Fair Trade Certified – This label (either version) demonstrates that the farmers and workers behind Fair Trade goods were paid fair wages and have opportunities for better health care, housing and education. The Fair Trade label is attached to coffee, chocolate, cocoa, tea, fruit, rice, sugar, spices and a variety of clothing and crafts produced in developing countries.

Certified Humane Raised & Handled – This label provides independent verification that the care and handling of livestock and poultry on farms enrolled in the program meet high-quality, humane animal care standards. These include access to clean and sufficient food and water; sufficient protection from inclement weather; and enough space to move about naturally.

Leaping Bunny is the certification program of the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics. The mark certifies that companies have not tested their products on animals during any stage of development. The company’s ingredient suppliers make the same pledge. Look for the Leaping Bunny label on cosmetics and personal care, household, and cleaning products.

Marine Stewardship Council – The Council’s eco-label indicates seafood that comes from fisheries that are striving to manage sustainably. Look for it on fish and shellfish, including fresh seafood sold at the counter, packaged and frozen seafood, and products like canned tuna, salmon, anchovies, sardines, and crab.

Demeter – This label represents the Demeter Farm Standard, which   indicates that a farm is organically farmed, GMO-free and also operated to promote soil fertility, animal welfare, conserve water, protect biodiversity, and managed to follow the cycles of nature. Look for it on wine, tea, juice, pasta, sauces, and many other foods.

NON-GMO Project Verified – This label indicates that products bearing it have been produced according to the best available practices for avoiding genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). It does not promise that a product is “GMO free” because there is always some risk that seeds, crops, ingredients and products have been exposed to GMOs somewhere along their growing or production cycle. It does, however, create a powerful incentive to seed breeders, farmers, processors and manufacturers to adopt practices that reduce use of GMOs while giving consumers a way to limit their exposure.

WaterSense – WaterSense is a label and program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It’s designed to help consumers easily identify water-efficient products in the marketplace while ensuring product performance and encouraging manufacturers to create more products that help use water wisely. Look for it on indoor plumbing fixtures like faucets, toilets and shower heads, as well as outdoors in rain sensors, soil moisture sensors, and sprinkler systems.

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Free Newsletter: If you want regular updates on certified green products, make sure you sign up for our free e-newsletter. It’ll help you live the green life you want, and save money doing it.

The post The 13 Best Eco Labels To Help You Shop Green appeared first on Big Green Purse.

FIRST, WHY SHIFT TO LEDS?

Here’s what Helga has learned about LEDs.

Energy-efficient lighting technology is a great way to reduce pollution, help stop climate change, improve our health and help us save money. That’s especially true of bulbs that use LEDs, also known as light emitting diodes.

Reduce Air Pollution – LED bulbs help reduce air pollution, making the air healthier to breathe for kids and others who suffer from asthma, heart disease and many respiratory ailments.

Most household energy still comes from coal-burning power plants. About 12% of the energy we use at home powers our lighting, like ceiling fixtures, under-counter lights, and table and bedside lamps. An LED uses 70-90% less energy than a standard bulb, limiting the need to burn that much more coal.

Stop Climate Change – Speaking of energy, if every household replaced just one light bulb with one that has earned the ENERGY STAR, we would save enough energy to light two million homes for a whole year. We would also prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of 550,000 vehicles. LEDs are a terrific solution to climate change.

Save Money – Any time we save energy, we save money. Though an LED bulb costs a little more up front, it saves a whole lot more during the life of the bulb. According to ENERGY STAR, a single LED bulb can save $80 in electricity costs over the lifetime of the product.

PLUS – LED technology is so efficient, one bulb can last as long as 22 years or 25,000 hours. That’s particularly convenient for hard-to-reach places like ceilings and outdoor fixtures.

Why Prefer ENERGY STAR- Certified LED BULBS? BETTER QUALITY, MORE SAVINGS!

Some LEDs claim to save energy but fall far short when it comes to what they actually deliver. ENERGY STAR means high quality and reliable performance, particularly in the following areas:

• Long Lasting: ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs are put through rigorous long term testing to simulate real life use and carry a minimum 3 year warranty. That’s why one LED bulb can last more than 20 years!

• Light Distribution: LED bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR will match the light distribution of the incandescent bulbs they advertise they are replacing.

• Color Quality: 6 different color metrics are used to make sure that consumers get the best color quality from the first day of purchase to after years of use.

• Dimmability: All ENERGY STAR certified bulbs must indicate on the front of the package whether or not they are dimmable. If they are, a list of compatible dimmers must be provided.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR AN LED BULB TO GET ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED?

All ENERGY STAR certified lighting products are subject to thorough testing and review before they can bear the label, including:

o Verified compliance with more than 20 separate industry standards and procedures

o Third-party testing of products off the retail shelf

o Rapid cycling of bulbs thousands of times to find early failures

o Testing to stress the products in operating environments similar to how you will use the product in your home

With 70% of U.S. light sockets still containing inefficient bulbs, the potential is huge for American consumers to find lighting options that save them energy, money and help protect the environment from climate change. LED bulbs are quickly gaining steam as the most innovative and long lasting alternative to incandescent bulbs.

WHAT DO ENERGY STAR-CERTIFIED LED BULBS COST?

ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs are experiencing dramatic changes in price. At some stores you can now buy an ENERGY STAR LED bulb for as low as $5 with in-store rebates. But remember, even if the bulb costs $10, it will save you $80 in reduced electricity costs over its lifetime.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A BULB IS ENERGY STAR-CERTIFIED?

Look for the label on the package. Here it is on the most recent LED I got.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that has been helping businesses and individuals save money and protect our air and climate through superior energy efficiency for over 20 years.

To learn more about ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs, visit www.energystar.gov/led.

NOTE: I am a long-time advocate of energy efficiency and LED technology. I work as a consultant to help educate the public about the importance of buying ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs, but my expert opinion remains my own.

The post Look for the ENERGY STAR LABEL When You Buy LED Bulbs appeared first on Big Green Purse.

As a mom myself, I love the attention I get on Mother’s Day. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by family, showered with love, and coddled with breakfast in bed, a luxurious morning just reading the paper, and no rushing around to do chores?

But as the founder of Big Green Purse, where I advocate using consumer clout to change the world, I consider Mother’s Day a tremendous opportunity – not to buy a lot of stuff, but to take a stand against excessive consumerism and in favor of the products and services that offer the greatest environmental benefit.

DOES YOUR MOM REALLY NEED MORE STUFF?

One of the most powerful and eco ways to use your money is to keep it in your purse or pocket! Most people have enough “stuff” – in fact, many of us are so overwhelmed by clutter that it adds to the stress of managing our households when we get more things we have to find a place for.

Years ago, when our two children were still toddlers, we established a “no gifts on Mother’s Day” rule (we do the same thing on Father’s Day). I truly appreciate my kids’ desire to treat me special on Mother’s Day, but for me that means that we have brunch or dinner together, maybe go for a hike or have some other family outing, and tell funny stories about my most memorable/ridiculous “mom moments.” When my son and daughter were in elementary and middle school, Mother’s Day was also a “no bickering” day. There was no better gift than the 24 conflict-free hours they gave me that one day of the year!

Now that my “kids” are young adults (seen above, with me in the middle in case you can’t tell who the 20 somethings are!), we continue to enjoy this same tradition (well, minus the “no bickering” rule, since they don’t bicker much any more). We will have a relaxing day, enjoy dinner together, and tell “mom  stories.” Simple, sweet, and definitely not stressful. I can’t imagine anything better.

IF YOU WANT TO GIVE A GIFT, CHOOSE THE GREENEST OPTION

Still, there are millions of people who can’t NOT give a gift on Mother’s Day. And there are plenty of moms who want to receive an actual present. According to the same National Retail Federation survey, two of the most common gifts given this Sunday will be electronics, and flowers.

ELECTRONICS

If you’re giving electronics, check this valuable Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics before you buy. The Guide evaluates leading consumer electronics companies based on their commitment and progress in three environmental areas: Energy and Climate, Greener Products, and Sustainable Operations. The Guide scores companies on overall policies and practices – not on specific products – to provide consumers with a snapshot of the sustainability of the largest electronics companies, looking at the way companies use (or phase out) toxic chemicals, save energy, promote recycling, and help reduce climate change.The Guide does not endorse one company over another.

The most recent Guide was published in November 2012. The Indian company Wipro ranks highest in all categories; the way this business operates provides a useful point of comparison to the other companies Greenpeace evaluated. Wipro may not be easily available at Best Buy or other stores where you shop – but HP, the next highest ranking manufacturer, is.

Of course, you don’t necessarily have to buy new. “The most sustainable devices are the ones you don’t actually buy,” notes Greenpeace. “Work to extend the life of your existing electronic gadgets, buy used products, and purchase what you truly need.”

Recycle as part of your present to Mom

Whether you buy new or used, recycle Mom’s old equipment as part of your present to her. Discarded electronics are the fastest growing segment of the waste stream, but they add more than metal trash to the garbage. Most electronics contain circuits made from heavy metals that can contaminate the groundwater and soil. You can recycle pretty much any phone, tablet, monitor, hard drive, laptop, and fax machine at Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot.

For other convenient recycling options, this list will make it easy for you.

FLOWERS

I’m a sucker for beautiful bouquets of cut flowers. But I’ve learned to value flowers that are locally grown and seasonal over blooms that have been imported from abroad. Why?

Seventy percent of U.S. flowers are imported from Latin America, where growers in Columbia, Ecuador and other countries use pesticides that have long been banned in the U.S. A 2002 survey of 8,000 Colombian flower workers revealed exposure to 25 carcinogenic or highly toxic pesticides that are not used in the United States.

Often, women flower growers suffer impaired vision, asthma, and miscarriage or give birth to babies marked by lower birth weights and higher blood pressure. Thirty-five out of 72 Ecuadoran children tested by the Harvard School of Public Health experienced organophosphate pesticides in the womb while their mothers grew flowers. These children later suffered both higher blood pressure and poorer spatial ability than kids who escaped prenatal exposures. Overall, according to a study by the International Labor Rights Fund (ILRF), two-thirds of Colombian and Ecuadorian flower workers suffer work-related health problems ranging from impaired vision and neurological problems Some women give birth to stillborn infants, or see their children die within a month after birth.

Meanwhile, the International Labor Organization estimates that 20 percent of flower workers in Ecuador are children, who are more vulnerable to chemical hazards than adults because their immune systems and vital organs are still immature. According to Environmental News Network, imported roses can contain as much as 50 times the amount of pesticides that are legally allowed on the food we eat. The U.S. requires imported flowers to be bug-free, but unlike edible fruits and vegetables they are not tested for chemical residues. So even if you’re not growing these flowers yourselves, you may still be bringing the chemicals used on them into your home.

If you have the option, buy flowers that are locally grown by American farmers who must obey U.S. regulations about pesticide use and application.

If you prefer to order flowers online, shop at Organic Bouquet, whose EcoBloom Certified roses will also be delivered with free bars of Endangered Species chocolate.

California Organic Flowers offers another online option. Stores like Whole Foods, food coops, natural food stores, and conventional grocery stores that have made a commitment to going green may also carry organically grown buds. If you don’t see them, ask for them.

DIY

You can also make a beautiful bouquet to give to Mom yourself. Even if the flowers haven’t started blooming in your part of the country yet, take a pair of clippers out to the yard and snip off a variety of different kinds of leaves. Mix light and dark greens, oval leaves with those that are spiky, long fronds with shorter sprouts. Place them in a tall vase, if you have it, or wrap a juice bottle with a decorative towel and ribbon to make a festive container.

THREE LITTLE WORDS

Regardless of what you give, tell your Mom you love her. All else pales compared to the gift of telling Mom exactly what she wants to hear!

Happy Mother’s Day.

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The post Mother’s Day: Shopping Spree or Shopping Shift? appeared first on Big Green Purse.

On the pocket book side, according to this nifty info graphic from elocal.com, “if the people of an average American
city were to shift just 10% of their spending from chains to local businesses, it
would bring an additional $235 million per year to the community’s economy.” How? By keeping profits at home rather than sending them abroad. Plus, favoring local stores keeps neighborhoods vibrant. I see this in my own town, where our mainstreet bustles with boutique shops that offer one-of-a-kind treasures, the post office and hardware store provide the basics, and the restaurants support shoppers and shop keepers alike. If we didn’t have local stores, our downtown would be a dead end: bleak, dreary, and drab.

On the environmental side, it turns out that buying products made locally helps reduce the climate change impact associated with shipping goods made in China or India half way around the world. We’ve gotten used to the idea of buying food produced locally – it tastes better, is fresher, and is often treated with fewer chemicals and preservatives because it goes from farm to farmers market to table in short order. Buying locally made clothes, crafts, and housewares may have the same benefits: better quality, more unique characteristics, and plus, it’s fun to know who made the items you buy.

Wondering where you can find items on your shopping list that are sold by local stores or made locally? Plug your zip code into this cool “finder” at American Express, grab your reusable shopping bags, and go!

The post Shop Local on Small Business Saturday…and Every Day appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Definitely. But first, why are gas prices so high? Gas prices have close to $4 a gallon in some states, and are inching higher and higher in many others. You’re probably not surprised:  you know that gasoline comes from oil, and oil is an unreliable source of fuel. Prices are volatile right now because the Middle East is so shaky, worldwide demand is rising, and some American refineries are not operating at full capacity.

But even when prices at the pump aren’t high, the environmental and human health “costs” we pay for burning gasoline are out of sight, considering the pollution and climate change  it causes and the toll it takes on the air we breathe and the water we drink.

These tips will help you save money at the pump – because they’ll help you  use less gas to meet your transportation needs.

• 1. Drive smart – Avoid quick starts and stops, use cruise control on the highway, and don’t idle.
• 2. Drive the speed limit – Remember – every 5 mph you drive above 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.
• 3. Drive less – Walk, bicycle, use a scooter or moped, combine trips, and telecommute.
• 4. Drive a more fuel-efficient car – Consider one of the new hybrids; at the very least, choose from among the EPA’s “Fuel Economy Leaders” in the class vehicle you’re considering.
• 5. Keep your engine tuned up – Improve gas mileage by an average of 4.1 percent by maintaining your vehicle in top condition.
• 6. Carpool – According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, 32 million gallons of gasoline would be saved each day if every car carried just one more passenger on its daily commute.
• 7. Use mass transit and “Ride Share” programs – Why pay for gasoline at all?
• 8. Keep tires properly inflated – Improve gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Replace worn tires with the same make and model as the originals.
• 9. Buy the cheapest gas you can find – Buy gas in the morning, from wholesale shopper’s clubs, and using gas-company rebate cards. Track neighborhood prices on the Internet.
• 10. Support higher fuel-efficiency standards and the development of alternative fuels – Ultimately, our best hope for beating the gas crisis is to increase fuel efficiency while we transition to renewable and non-petroleum based fuels. Endorse efforts to boost average fuel efficiency to at least 40 mpg. Support programs that promote research and development of alternatives to transportation systems based on oil.

Need a gauge to check your tire pressure? Find one in our store.

Want 10 ways to save money and energy in your home? Here you go.

These energy-saving tips save more than fuel.

The post Beat High Gas Prices Ten Smart Ways appeared first on Big Green Purse.

FOOD

Organic food can cost as much as 30% more than food that’s been conventionally grown using pesticides or under inhumane conditions for animals and people. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that staples like organic milk, meat, poultry and fresh vegetables will be on sale just because it’s Black Friday. But specialty foods – like chocolate, tea and coffee, nuts, and dried fruits – are likely to have their prices slashed, particularly at more conventional grocery stores where they’re seen as a premium item. I expect online retailers to offer bargains on gift packs of these items – but there’s no reason why you can’t buy them for yourself.

ELECTRONICS and APPLIANCES

I hate to encourage anyone to buy more electronics, given how much e-waste is piling up. However, if you’re truly in need of a new phone, tablet, computer, or printer, Black Friday is the day to buy it. Do your research now so you can aim for the most energy-efficient, eco-friendly equipment; check this Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics to pick the most environmentally responsible company for the item you want. Plan now to recycle your old equipment when you replace it; stores like Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot accept almost any electronic device, regardless of the manufacturer. If you still don’t have an energy-saving power strip, get one of those while you’re at it. Appliances will include the federal government Energy Guide sticker to help you choose the refrigerator, freezer, washer or dryer that uses the least amount of energy.

CLOTHING

While you’ll find fashion bargains galore on November 25, not many of them are likely to be green, especially at the mall. Sadly, stores like Macy’s, Target, Ann Taylor, Chico’s, Express, Coldwater Creek, and the Limited are embarrassingly limited when it comes to dresses, shirts, pants, and other couture made from organic or eco-friendly fibers. You might have some luck at H&M; the last time I was in there, I found skirts and blouses made from organic cotton, and some sweaters made from recycled polyester. If you’re not looking for dressy work clothes, head over to Lands End, Northface, Patagonia, and REI. Patagonia has done a particularly good job of using recycled fibers to make its vests and jackets; plus, you can recycle old t-shirts and other clothes at Patagonia when you shop.

JEWELRY

More and more fine jewelry stores are offering bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings made from recycled gold, reclaimed stones, and diamonds sourced from humane and fair trade mines. Before you buy, ask to see certification that shows where the jewels originally came from.

TOWELS AND SHEETS

Organic towels and sheets are a real luxury, and their usual high price shows it. But even their cost might come down on Black Friday; if it does, go for it! JC Penneys, Target, and Wal-Mart stock organic linens regularly; hopefully, they’ll put them on sale November 25 along with the conventionally produced items. Check online or in the newspaper for “money off on anything” coupons.

WINE, BEER, SPIRITS

Most liquor stores sell organically produced wine, beer, vodka, gin, and possibly other spirits. Whether you’re stocking up for the holidays or want to refill your fridge or wine cellar, take advantage of storewide discounts or sales on individual brands.

SOAP, SHAMPOO, PERFUME, PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

Stores like Bath & Body Works, the Body Shop, and Origins increasingly sell soaps, shampoos, lotions, and cremes free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Read labels carefully, and look for products packaged in paper, cardboard and glass rather than plastic.

YOGURT AND BREAD MAKERS

If you buy a lot of yogurt and bread, chances are you’re throwing away a lot of plastic yogurt containers and paper bread wrappers. Pretty much every department store will have these two items on sale on Black Friday.

WRAPPING PAPER AND HOLIDAY CARDS

The “greenest” option is to use paper you saved from last year and to send e-cards. You can also wrap presents in fabrics, towels, or table cloths and napkins or bundle them into reusable shopping bags. But if it’s paper you must have, look for 100% recycled paper or tree-free paper options in both wrapping and cards from Hallmark and Papyrus, among other shops.

Don’t forget your own shopping bag… your reusable one, of course!

Related Posts:

Recycling Your Computer Just Got Easier

What if You Buy Nothing?

How to Shop for Eco-friendly Clothing (Parts 1, 2, 3)

Top Ten “Green” Thanksgiving Tips

Give to Your Favorite Charity Whenever You Shop – At No Extra Cost to You

For more ideas on how to be a green consumer this holiday season, check out the Green Moms Carnival this month, hosted by Betsy over at Eco-Novice.

The post Use Black Friday Sales to Try New Green Products appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Yet that’s exactly what Bonnie C., a 26-year old resident of Washington, D.C., has done. Bonnie is single, lives in an apartment, and works for the U.S. Government. Here’s her story:

“I read a blog post of yours last year encouraging readers to redirect $1000 in spending to green purchases.  This really struck me, and I decided to try it.  I hit $1000 in December when I installed my own programmable thermostat.  Here’s how I did it:

BONNIE’S BIG GREEN SHIFTS

Used furniture (sofa, dining table, patio table, TV, TV cabinet): $340, but the TV and cabinet were free!

 Used Bike: $250

Garden Plot, tools, soil: $200

Organic Food: $75

Glass food containers: $40

Organic Body Products: $5 (but I’ve only run out of toothpaste, so I expect this number to grow)

No VOC Paint: $40

CFL Lightbulbs: $20

Green Cleaning Products: $25

Programmable Thermostat: $34

Total: $1029

Even though I live in an apartment, I installed the thermostat and painted – I’ll change them back when I move out.

I think it’s also interesting to note that most of these purchases saved me money.  I’m 26, and I don’t have a large budget to reallocate, but by buying used items, I must have saved hundreds.  The lightbulbs and thermostat will save me money, AND I don’t have to get out of bed in a cold house!  I also bought a fuel-efficient Honda Fit that gets about 34 mpg on average for my typical commute, but 37-38 on long road trips.

This year I’m planning to shift more spending towards food and beauty products.  I’m also trying to get a roommate, which will not only cut down on expenses, but house 2 people using about the same energy as 1.

Most of these were really easy changes, but I’m still getting over sticker shock of organic food and beauty products.

Changing out the thermostat was surprisingly easy.  Yes, there were tons of poorly labeled wires, but we followed the directions carefully and it only took about 30 minutes.

Next I’m looking for a roommate!  I’m also going to try to get into composting.  And I’ll keep migrating to better food and beauty products.”

Bonnie’s also going to keep working on her boyfriend, who was helpful if skeptical. “He was reluctant at first,” she says, “but had a positive view after we finished those projects (installing the thermostat and setting up the garden plot).”  I’m still trying to get him into better toiletries and food, but he was a quick sell on green cleaning products!”

Thanks for blogging and motivating me!”
Bonnie

As Bonnie knows, every dollar you shift makes a difference. The way you spend your money is your first line of defense against products that contain toxic ingredients or waste energy. Just as importantly, buying “green” encourages companies to reduce pollution and use water and other natural resources with greater care. Plus, choosing more environmental options often saves you money immediately. For all these reasons, the Big Green Purse One in a Million campaign inspires people to set a goal of shifting at least $1,000 of money they’d spend anyway on the most environmentally-friendly products available.

Thousands of people have already committed to shifting their spending. Why don’t you? You can sign up here.

For more inspiring stories like Bonnie’s, start here.

The post Washington, D.C. Woman Shifts $1,029 of Her Household Budget to Go Green appeared first on Big Green Purse.

But how many “resolutions” have you made over the years? And – be honest, now – how many have you actually kept?

The truth is,resolutions are as easy to abandon as they are to embrace. Yes, they’re noble. They may even be inspiring. But do they usually work?

No. They’re just too vague, too lofty; they leave too much wiggle room. And if there’s anything the planet doesn’t need more of, it’s wiggle room!

That’s why, rather than make resolutions this year, I hope you’ll consider setting a specific goal. Something not just to aim for, but to surpass. A benchmark. A way you can prove to yourself that you’re actually DOING something. Making a difference.

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that I’d like that goal to be about how you spend your money. In fact, I’d like to encourage you to set a specific goal of shifting at least $1,000 of your normal household budget to the greenest products and services available: no-VOC paints, BPA-free bottles, energy-efficient cars or mass transit, organic food. You get the idea. The “green” version of what you buy anyway.

Why does it matter?

When we pay for goods, manufacturers pay attention to us. They have to. Consumer dollars are their lifeblood. So rather than fall prey to companies and the millions of dollars they spend to tell us what to buy, we can use our own dollars to tell them what to make – and how to make it.  The more money you shift to to greener options, the more you direct manufacturers to reduce pollution, save energy and water, use less packaging, limit toxic substances, curb climate change, and protect natural areas.
Plus, our economic system is based on supply and demand. If you want the supply of greener goods to increase, your demand for them has to increase as well.

But there’s perhaps an even more important reason to shift your spending. The way you spend your money is your first line of defense. It’s the fastest, easiest way to guard both your pocketbook and your health. Not nearly enough laws and regulations are in place to protect us from the 80,000 or more chemicals circulating in our environment. The U.S. Congress still hasn’t been able to regulate the carbon dioxide emissions that cause climate change, even though 2010 may turn out to be the warmest year on record. Most food is still grown by big conglomerates that liberally douse their fields in pesticides and herbicides.

We can reduce our exposure to toxins significantly by buying the safest products available.  We can save money by opting for more fuel efficient appliances and modes of transportation and reduce our carbon impact at the same time. We can keep our communities strong and thriving by buying food grown, not just organically, but locally.

So set a goal. You won’t be alone. Already, 6,000 people have started to make the shift, as part of the Big Green Purse One in a Million Campaign. If we get to a million (that’s OUR goal!), we can have a noticeable ONE BILLION DOLLAR IMPACT in the marketplace.

Want to get started?

You can make the biggest difference by picking one commodity and shifting all $1,000 to it. Some of the most important options (and ones that should be readily available in your neighborhood as well as on-line) include:

____ Organic, locally grown food (Why? Reduce your exposure to pesticides.)
____ Energy-efficient appliances (Why? Help stop global warming.)
____ Phthalate-free cosmetics (Why? Protect your health.)
____ Fuel-efficient car or a really great bicycle (Why? Save energy, save money, reduce air pollution.)
____ Fair trade, shade grown coffee (Why? Protect rainforests and songbirds.)
____ Non-toxic cleansers (Why? Reduce indoor air pollution and limit your exposure to toxic chemicals.)

Alternatively, you can spread your spending among the variety of products and services that you need to manage your household, choosing as often as possible those that offer the greatest environmental benefits. You’ll probably find that you’ll end up shifting far more than the initial $1,000 you aim for. In fact, that’s the idea. You set a goal. It becomes a habit. And the more money you shift, the bigger impact you’ll have. Talk about getting the biggest bang for your buck!

Note: I’m not encouraging you to buy more stuff you don’t need just because it’s “green.” And there’s no question that we need to continue to pass and enforce strong laws to protect our health and the environment. But it would be irresponsible not to use the most powerful tool available to us individually – our purse or our pocketbook  — to make the world a better place.

So, set your goal. First, join the Big Green Purse One in a Million Campaign. Read how people like you have reached their goals. Then use this free balance sheet to get started yourself. When you reach your goal, let me know so I can brag about you.

And remember: It’s not how much you spend, it’s how you spend it.

Happy New Year!

The post How about a Goal instead of a Resolution – Like Shifting $1,000 to Greener Products and Services appeared first on Big Green Purse.