How do you shift $1,000?

[Diane MacEachern]

The point of the One in a Million campaign is to make it easy for consumers to use their money to protect the environment. It focuses on initially shifting just $1,000 of money we spend anyway - on groceries, lightbulbs, clothes, cosmetics, etc. - to products that offer the greatest environmental benefit. I try to shift $10 of my weekly grocery bill to organic food, recycled paper products (if I buy them), and shampoo and deodorant that's fragrance free. Over the course of a year, that would get me to $520, over half of the $1,000 goal for the Million Women campaign. I'd love to hear what others are doing to shift their spending.

[Diane MacEachern]

I've just posted profiles of two women who have shifted more than $1,000 to greener products and services for their households. Take a look at www.dianesbiggreenpurse.com.

[Anna]

I buy as much organic and local as I can. Especially produce, dairy and cereal which get consumed everyday. Cutting down on meat has helped the budget a bit. I also switched to recycled paper products, from TP to printer paper. I buy personal care and cleaning products from socialy responsible companies. I'm lucky to live in an area that offers many green products in easy to access places so I can even find them in several grocery outlets which helps with cost. I also stopped buying anything cotton unless it's organic, knowing how much pesticides go into producing cotton fabric. This has helped with spending less because I now really think about whether I 'need' or just 'want' something new. However, today I will buy something new as I plan to go over to Borders to pick up a copy of Big Green Purse! Of course I'll work it into my errands so I can try to drive as efficiently as possible :)

[Diane MacEachern]

Anna -

Wow! You're an inspiration! I hope you'll sign up for the One in a Million campaign at our Big Green Purse website. It sounds like you've already made the kind of shifts many women dream about. I'd appreciate it if you could fill out a balance sheet that shows some of the specifics, which I could then post on my blog; many women can learn from you!

Thanks for all you do!

[Anna]

Hi Diane

Thanks. Is there a link for a balance sheet form? I was looking around on the site and might have missed it.

[Rachel Markel]

I have successfully shifted probably more than $1,000. 00 by making my own products. With a few basic ingredients I have replaced my deodorant, toothpaste, skin care products, pet care products and all of my cleaning solutions. On top of the savings, I have the peace of mind in knowing everything that my family is using is safe and non-toxic. Sure it takes a little more time but it is time well spent!

[Susan Poston]

Rachel, how did you learn to make your pwn products? I would love to do this, but haven't found any information that seemed "doable".

[Rachel Markel]

Hi Susan,

For the past 15 years I have been working with plant based medicines, primarily essential oils and herbs. I have been educating practitioners and the general public on ways to reduce toxic chemicals and replace everything you use for some time. I would be happy to share recipes and information with you, just let me know what you would like to make.

[Diane MacEachern]

I'd love to see the recipes, too! I'm always looking for better hand and body lotions...