Diane MacEachern's Comments

Let's Talk About the Environment: DECORATE by The Green Moderator

Apr 7, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 10

Diane MacEachern Apr 13, 2008, 6:51am EDT

Eco design is not just about being chic! In my experience, it's about health, too. I repainted my home in non VOC paints and never suffered from headaches or respiratory problems as a result. I have dozens of links to earth-friendly design options over at 2www.biggreenpurse.com, and in my new book Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World. Diane MacEachern

Signs You're Being Frugal by Dana H.

Mar 26, 2008 | rating: 9.7 | comments: 24

Diane MacEachern Mar 26, 2008, 6:04am EDT

My daughter cleans out her closet and takes what she's not wearing to the thrift store. She either banks the money she makes or uses it to buy other worn but wearable clothes.

Top Ten Ways to Save on Organic Food by Diane MacEachern

Feb 15, 2008 | comments: 2

Diane MacEachern Mar 2, 2008, 7:59pm EST

I know what you mean, Amanda. But if you buy on sale, or avoid things like bottled water, it creates a little more room in the budget for the more expensive items. Thanks for writing! Diane

About Organic Food by Diane MacEachern

Feb 24, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 4

Diane MacEachern Mar 2, 2008, 7:57pm EST

Rachel, Heidi, Debi - I'm really glad you found the information useful. I don't want to be pushy, but if you want a tip a week, you can get it from the widget I maintain. Or you can get a little more info on a regular basis as a free subscriber to my e-mail newsletter, Purse Alerts! And if you want to have a handbook of info, I've just published the Big Green Purse Book. There's more info on all these options at www.biggreenpurse.com. Thanks for connecting! Diane

A Photo by Diane MacEachern

Feb 5, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 4

Diane MacEachern Mar 2, 2008, 7:51pm EST

Thanks, Sharon! I appreciate it. I hope you'll leave some comments on my blog from time to time - I'd love other readers to benefit from what you think!

Top Ten Ways to Save Energy and Money at Home by Diane MacEachern

Feb 5, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 4

Diane MacEachern Feb 18, 2008, 11:41am EST

I'm glad the tips are so useful. And please don't hesitate to share any of your own suggestions.

Diane

Big Green Purse Top Ten: Green Your Wardrobe by Diane MacEachern

Feb 5, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 2

Diane MacEachern Feb 18, 2008, 11:40am EST

Glad to be able to provide some new info! Thanks for writing.

Diane

Chocolate: EcoFriendly, Fair Trade? by Diane MacEachern

Feb 15, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 3

Diane MacEachern Feb 18, 2008, 11:39am EST

Dana,

Try looking at Whole Foods, food coops, and natural food stores. They often carry Endangered Species and other organic chocolate brands.

Diane

Top Ten Ways to Save on Organic Food by Diane MacEachern

Feb 15, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 2

Diane MacEachern Feb 18, 2008, 11:37am EST

I'm surprised, too! Just goes to show, it pays to comparison shop! Thanks for writing. Diane

Share Tips for Living & Working Green by Roshani Kothari

Jun 21, 2006 | rating: 9.3 | comments: 6

Diane MacEachern Feb 5, 2008, 9:29pm EST

When should you spend your money to protect the planet – and when should you keep it in your purse?

Given the thousands of green products being introduced these days, and the vague marketing claims being used to sell them, you don't want to blow your budget just to keep up with the newest "eco," "herbal," or "biodegradable" fad – especially if the claim turns out to be more greenwashing than green.

On the other hand, genuinely earth-friendly products do help minimize your environmental impact. Every organic cotton T-shirt you buy, for instance, helps reduce the use of toxic agricultural chemicals, protecting the air and water. Moreover, the same tee waves like a bright green flag in front of conventional cotton producers, reminding them that your money is filling their organic competitors' coffers.

Using your Big Green Purse to favor companies whose goods protect the climate, eliminate toxins, keep the air and water clean, and safeguard forests and other natural places creates a powerful incentive for their rivals to do likewise. The challenge is in knowing how to avoid the "greenwash" so you can promote more green. A few clear principles will help you identify an ecobargain from a rip-off, while getting manufacturers to transition as quickly as possible to the most earth-friendly practices available.

The Big Green Purse Shopping Principles

1) Buy less.
2) Read the label.
3) Support sustainable standards.
4) Look for third-party verification.
5) Choose fewer ingredients.
6) Pick less packaging.
7) Buy local.

Check out www.biggreenpurse.com

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Diane MacEachern
Washington, DC

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