Greetings, Thanks for introducing me to this book. One of my commitments to myself,
my family and our world is trying to live more earth wise! An important principle to me is choose items with less ingredients. That way, there would most likely be less harmful chemicals and such in them. I think this is particularly true of personal care products. Please enter me in your wonderful drawing. Many thanks…..Cindi

I’m trying to switch all of the cleaning and personal grooming products in my house over to non-toxic, green brands. I also try to eat local, organic produce as much as possible in the summer.

Ha- sounds like a great book!! Even though I’ve been working at being “green” for many years, I find myself confused. My most important green shopping principle is buying fpps that is local and organic whenever possible. I In the sping, summer, fall I shop weekly at the local farmer’s market.

Would love to read this. I’ve heard about the female buying power many times, but it can be hard to focus yourself at times.

For me, my most important green shopping principal is to buy with a list and to stick to it! But I also like to buy from fresh farmers markets whenever possible, or the most local produce I can find if I’m at a supermarket.

I try to buy products with less packaging, such as a buying a large bottle of juice rather than individual bottles. Although this isn’t really shopping, I also bring a refillable water bottle instead of purchasing bottled water at the vending machine.

With my own bags, I try to stay out of the center aisle, and shop around the perimeter, ensuring that more of my purchase allocation goes to the fresh stuff, and it’s also important to remeber to buy fuits and veggies locally and in season, cutting down on importation (which in turn cuts down on fuel-use, etc.)

reducing waste by not using disposable products

Several things I find important, first and easiest, take my own bags when shopping. Second shop local and third shop products that use minimal packaging.

Thanks!

I try to do all my shopping in one trip so I’m not wasting gas. I make a menu and a list before I go and really try to stick to it, even with two crazy kids!

I plan my meals for the week and make a shopping list so that I know exactly what I need. That way no food is wasted. I also hit thrift shops and try to reuse items I have around the house instead of buying new stuff.

trying to strat buying non-toxic chemicals.

My biggest green shopping principle is to use cloth bags instead of plastic bags

I love to shop at garage sales– I don’t need “new everything” like some people do.

I really like to buy locally - brown eggs from a family on my street, things like that. It’s also important to remember to bring in my fabric bags so I don’t take the plastic ones from the grocery store! Thanks!

I take hand me downs! I also use reusable bags.

I would love this book! I agree, trying to be greener can sometimes be confusing even though you try your best at it. This book sounds like a great resource. My green shopping principle is to bring reusable bags with me when shopping, not just at the grocery store. Sure people are a little confused at first but I find more and more people are respectful of the choice.

I try and buy locally, I think that is one of the biggest since it saves so much in transportation. I also pay a lot of attention to packaging, plastic is everywhere? (and why oh why are the free range, vegetarian fed chickens, egg cartons STYROFOAM??)

My green shopping principle is to really think if I NEED the item or I can get by without it! I try to reduce my footprint as much as I can!

I buy used whenever I can! Thrift stores, yard sales etc. I also use fabric bags. Shop at the farmer’s market in the summer. Take packaging into consideration.

Wow this sounds like a great book. I would love to read it. My new green philosphy is to start of small with the simple things every bit helps.

I recycle many things. In India, that is very normal. And Now I am all for reducing shopping too!

Reduce, reuse then recycle.

I try to use reusable shopping bags everytime i go shopping. great giveaway, thanks!

buy family-sized products they require less packaging and usually cost less

I use my local freecycle.com to give away items I no longer need rather than seeing them going to the landfill. Conversely, I have received items from others using the site as well!

The green principle that we’re trying to adopt is trying to buy used, if at all possible.

I like to reuse bags think that is a start

Taking my own bags, opting for items that are locally produced and grown, buying organic whenever possible and purchasing from companies with good environmental records. Thanks for the giveaway!

Most important principle would be buying food locally as often as possible.

This looks like an extremely useful book. Although I try to live a green life there are too many opportunities to succumb to poor shopping practices. I work towards buying locally as much as possible, supporting small local vendors, and avoiding overly processed and packaged items.

It sounds dumb, but just bringing those canvas re-usable bags when I grocery shop. In our first year of marriage, the husband and I acquired so many plastic bags, we nearly drowned. Now I think of how many we’re saving every time we remember our ‘green bags.’

I’m buying more green cleaning products

My biggest focus is recycling anything that can be recycled and reusing as much as possible. Also, I have switched to mostly using fabric reusable bags made from recycled plastic for my grocery shopping.

I take my own cloth bags shopping wherever I go.

My favorite green shopping tips are to bring your own bags and also to buy used whenever possible.

I buy local brands when possible, especially with things I use often, like food.

I try to buy products or product packaging made from recycled content. I also try to buy larger sizes and then refill smaller containers so as to cut down on the amount of waste.

My most important would be buying local.

I use my cloth bags and also use multi purpose items

Simple, the most important thing anyone could do tomorrow is stop eating animals and supporting slaughter houses. It is better for the body, the environment, the water supply, and for the other animal nations we humans share this planet with.

buy locally at farmers’ markets

This book sounds like a very good reference to help us all get green. One thing I try to do is buy as much as possible from yard sales, thrift shops, etc because the materials have already been used once and saves our resources.Martha W ki4ggs(at)yahoo(dot)com

I really want to read this book. My green shopping principle is to buy organic and be more aware of the companys my money is supporting.

Buying locally to reduce the carbon imprint of the products you are using and to support local small business instead of corporate giants. Of course buying less in general but that really isn’t a green buying tip, thats a green not-buying tip.

I use vinegar to do most of my household cleaning, have started using cloth shopping bags and we’ve started our own garden (and buy local produce).

I also bring my own bags for shopping. I’m looking forward to reading the book!

“Greening” our household is definitely a work in progress. We’re switching to energy efficient light bulbs, we’re buying much more local and fresh, we’re switching to natural cleaning products, and we remember to use our canvas shopping bags.

My most important green shopping principle is to decide if I really need the item at all– I can most reduce my footprint by reducing my materialistic impulses!

I’m currently buying any “green” cleaning supply I can find& buying local & organic I’d love to learn about more things I could do

I would love to win this book. I need to become more Green to decrease some of my bills.

This book looks great!

We’ve gotten much better at remembering our cloth bags when we go shopping by keeping some in each car to be prepared for even impromptu errands. I use cloth bags (I have a really cute one that packs into my purse) for non-grocery shopping too — malls, etc.

Our new goal is to buy more local produce - at the farmers market when possible, or at least being aware of what’s grown in-state and what’s brought in from another country/climate.

Hi there,
My main green buying principle is to refrain from consuming and buying new items unnecessarily. Everything I really need exists on sites like CraigsList and Freecycle already. I always feel great knowing that I’m not feeding the manufacturing machine, throwing away money and creating more waste.

My shopping principle is buying organic from the farmers market and bringing my own non-paper/non-plastic bags.
Thank you for the giveaway!
Artful Blessings,
Kathryn

I’m starting to cull all of the products I buy that contain chemicals I’m not comfortable with and replacing them little by little with more natural products..my skin is already looking better!

It’s all about the overall company commitment. If I buy solely on point of purchase packagine, I lose the big picture.

Bring your own bags, that’s what we do!!

i like to win stuff

Wow!!

I try to buy from sources that use sustainable production methods. I also recycle bags.

Keep your life plain,humble and simple.

My shopping principle is if I want something I try to see if I can get it used first. This cuts down on manufacturing and saves on land fills.

Thanks so much for the incredible review! I’ve loved reading all the comments on your site - it’s inspiring to see how much good green activity people are up to! Best, Diane MacEachern, author, Big Green Purse

switching lightbulbs, switching cleaners, etc. Eventually switching cars. small steps to a greener home

Groceries is the biggie, bring your own bag or bags.

buy organic

I believe you should always bring your own bags. All those plastic and paper bags going in to trash or recycling is completely unnecessary.

I think we should try to buy things only when we need them. Things always look great in a store

I always bring my own bags. And I buy the biggest sizes with the (relatively) least packaging.

We always take our bags when shopping.
It’s also good to recycle things.

I buy organic and try and buy used items when possible.

I do buy local produce whenever possible

taking a canvas bag to put my groceries in

I have been dying to get my hands on this book!

My rule of thumb when I am shopping…if I cannot pronounce the ingredients, I don’t buy it!

I buy everything I can at the farmers market and I only buy green home cleaning supplies now including laundry detergent.

I blogged your contest on Prize-A-Tron as well!
http://www.prizeatron.com

I buy majority of my produce and meats from local growers/markets & I take reusable bags to the store.

i try to buy only items that dont have plastic packaging and always bring a reusable bag

i this the best principle is to buy used. works for me because i LOVE thrifting, but also there is not a consumer step, an energy step, packaging, off gasses……….

i think i do alot (but not as much as some), but this is my fave.

Buy local produce when possible, do we really need mangos from Brazil shipped to Iowa?

Buying local and organic produce

I buy from farmer’s markets whenever I can, and try to use a canvas shopping tote when I go out. If I can’t, I try to cram all of my groceries into 1 paper bag…

I try to buy things that come from companies that are envionmentally responsible in how they product and package their products.

I try not to waste anything we do buy. I shop thrift stores to buy used, rather than new. I keep a canvas bag in my car for purchases. I’d like to learn more about the companies’ practices though.

God bless our troops

I love to shop at garage sales– I don’t need “new everything” like some people do.

what would you consider to be your most important green shopping principle?-reduce all of those utilities: turn off the lights, only turn on a full dishwasher, use a cloth line instead of a dryer, don’t run water when not in use, open the shades for light and warmth. Super easy

Switching light bulbs, buying things with less packaging and bringing my own bags to the store.

I buy local meats,dairy, fruits and veggies at our local farmer’s market. Not only is my food’s carbon footprint smaller, I am helping local farmer’s out!!

I buy used merchandise whenever possible. I also buy Baking Soda detergent and Borax because it works to clean many things and is environmentally friendly.

While I can’t afford to fully transition our household to only organic, green products, I do what I can. My son has organic, hormone free milk and apple juice. We’ve started buying eggs from a local farmer and we grow fruits, veggies and herbs in our garden organically. Each product we purchase is a choice we make, and I try as much as I can to make choices that are healthy for my family and for our planet.

I buy used items before I buy new.

Using reusable bags! They don’t break as easily either.

I always shop with my canvas bags. Our family has saved a lot of money by using cloth (diapers, pads, for cleaning, and instead of tissues.

Change only 1 or 2 things to be “greener” at a time and let it become a habit, so that its more likely to Stick!

I’m still learning to become green. We have always recycled, but it’s time to do much more. I’d love to read the book!

i shop at thrift stores, why let perfectly good clothes go to waste???

choosing fewer ingredients is important to me, i hate when there’s a long list of ingredients and most of them i can’t even pronounce!

i would love to read this, I really want to be more green. I try to take my own bags with me when I shop

My biggest rule when shopping is to ask myself: Do we need it? So simple, but can really reduce the amount of unused and unnessary products in our house. Which in turn reduces the amount of waste!

I menu plan and use a list when shopping. This cuts down on food waste. I also buy some things in bulk, which cuts down on packaging.

We are reusable bag users, light turn-offers, cold water launderers, and unpluggers.

In terms of shopping, I try to buy local. I think it helps save on the emissions polluting our Earth from shipping food thousands of miles, even though it may be a bit cheaper than buying locally-grown produce, meats, and dairy. Plus, it’s easy!

great giveaway!!

This by far is the best way to recycle junk! Making bags out of re-usable material is great!

Please go to:
tigersthinkgreen.blogspot.com
to join the “Save the World” race to the finish!

We are in the process of changing all of our cleaning, dishwashing, laundry, and personal care products to eco-friendly brands. We are now washing everything in cold water, and turning off or unplugging non-essential electrical items when not in use.

we turn off lights, take homemade lunchbags to school, and use (cute) dish towels instead of paper towls!

We have begun using greener cleaning products in our home.

I have a freeind who recommended this book. Wouldn’t it be great if we women could make these changes for the greater good?

I try to incorporate wants verses needs when considering a purchase and then ask myself how does this purchase impact the world around me whether on a human, environmental or other scale.

I buy store brand whenever possible..

refuse to buy bottled waters!

Using re-useable bags

Carry my own tote bags to not use plastic bags.

We have switched our cleaning products and I carry my own totes for the grocery store.

I wash and reuse all our ziploc bags until they start falling apart. I also carry my own shopping bag instead of using plastic. And anything that comes with bottles, when it’s been used, I keep the bottles to store other stuff.

It’s okay to walk out of a store carrying your purchase unwrapped. Shop assistants are more often than not taken slightly aback when I request “No bag, please”. Sometimes I even have to insist! Just make sure your take the receipt as proof of purchase.

The New American Dream website has a printable credit/debit card holder that has some great questions to ask yourself before you buy anything like: Is this product over packaged? or Is this a need or a want? Every time I buy something I am reminded to think twice!

one of my biggest goals is to shop locally whenever possible: farmer’s markets, mom and pop’s stores, independent stores, and not chain stores!

I shop at local farmers and recycle and buy recycled items

My first is using my own bags. My second is supporting locally owned businesses whenever possible.

I have been gradually switching to greener cleaning products and using cloth bags instead of plastic ones.

I don’t use paper plates or cups. I wash and reuse the ones I have. Many of my friends who have little kids only use paper products but I feel like that is such a wast and such a big hunk of trash!

I’m a recyclist, so this would be great.
thank you

I always recycle everything!!

Walk or cycle instead of using a car.

Don’t buy anything that I don’t REALLY need especially if it is in packaging that is excessive or can’t be recycled

My biggest goals is to reuse and recycle. I recycle everything that I can and I reuse anything that can be reused. I try to use canvas shopping bags when I go shopping too.

I have begun using reusable shopping bags, and this summer I plan to purchase more locally grown produce from the farmer’s market.

Read the label is my big green shopping principle. Most of the food I buy is fresh produce, dairy products and lean fish and meats. And I do that on the way back from taking my child to school, so no unnecessary trips!

I’ve tried to eliminate wasteful packaging. I also use reusable shopping bags.

I’ve been growing my own vegies and using canvas grocery bags for years, but when my son graduated from an environmental college in Maine, he really influenced me to compost, use green products, change to cfl’s, etc. But this past Christmas I surprised everyone by sewing reusable cloth bags (leftover fabrics from many sewing projects) for everyone’s gifts (30 +). I was burning the midnight oil to get them all done, but I was proud of my accomplishment and of not having to buy or use all that paper.

I try to buy only what I actually need so that I’m not wasting valuable resources.

I try to buy organic products when possible, and when I buy pens and things I always by the recycleable ones (specially marked).

I think bringing my own shopping bags to stores is a good start on greening up the world.

Buy or take only what we need. Less waste!

I try to always use reusable bags — I keep them in the car so I am always prepared. I also avoid buying items with non-biodegradable packaging.

I by hairspray that it health for me and the environment!

I bring my own canvas bags. I also buy locally, and do all my shopping in 1 trip.

using candles whenever possible and lots of gardening

Buy natural when possible-use natural cleaning products and lawn products.

Local produce, definitely. Luckily I can go to the farmers’ market year-round since I live in Florida and we can grow food in winter!

Whenever I shop I bring at least one tote bag in my purse. I also buy items that can be considered refills and pour them into my plastic containers. Fabric softner is a good example. They come in paper containers that are more biodegrateable than plastic.

I buy used when ever i can if that is yard sales, chruch sales, or resale. I also give away whatever i am done with so there is less waste

I try to buy less. Less comsumption = less waste.

Being from New England, I subscribe to the Yankee motto:
Use it up,
Wear it out,
Make do,
Or do without.

By simplifying our lives, we can become greener, I think.

check for non-toxic chemicals

have given excitement to find wax paper not made out of any petro products. I really couldn’t believe it.

I love to shop at garage sales–

I’ve been working at being “green” for many years. I try to do all my shopping and errands in one trip so I’m not wasting gas (can you believe the price of gas?). I make a list before I go and really try to stick to it. I try to buy products with less packaging. I’m trying to switch all of the cleaning (the vinegar smell is not the greatest) and personal grooming products in my house over to non-toxic, green brands. I always keep several tote bags in the trunk so I won’t be using paper or plastic bags. My next step is to check out the farmer’s markets in the area for fresh produce. Thanks for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway!

It’s great to see so many people turning green. I’ve picked up some tips just by reading these posts; thanks! Here are some of my favorites… Cut down on junk mail (catalogchoice.org), raise/grow your own when possible (we have ducks, goats, veggie & fruit gardens), reusable bags everywhere (people will think you’re cool at the mall!), compost, and bio-friendly laundry, cleaning, and everything! And don’t forget to ditch your car when you can. I hope this book goes to someone who really will change their lifestyle!

Bag my groceries in canvas bags.

I think buying locally grown fresh products is one of the best things you can do.

When we go shopping we use only canvas reusable bags.I have also switched from
buying 24 bottles of water to gallon jugs,not as much plastic.I use wipeable
memo board to make grocery list on,saves
on paper.Thanks for the contest

I look for products with biodegradable ingredients.