Buy Something that Makes a Difference Day!

November 28th, 2008

Last year at this time, I supported “Buy Nothing Day,” which encourages consumers to abstain from “Black Friday” shopping sales.

This year, it’s a different story. With “Going out of Business” signs all around the shopping centers, we see sad reminders of an economy in tatters.

I’m not suggesting you buy a bunch of useless “stuff” just to help the economy and save a few bucks for the holidays. But what I am suggesting is that whether you’re out and about today on “Black Friday” or cruising the Net on “Cyber Monday,” you can choose to make a difference with your purchases by patronizing those companies that help us to go green – either by saving energy, using organic farming methods, or insisting on recycled paper from well managed forests.

And yes, I have a few savings tips for you – all, I’m happy to say, from some great green companies I’m representing through my consulting business.

Savings Tip #1 – Free Organic Food for Kids (With Rebate)
Is there a SuperTarget near you? I visited for the first time last week and was impressed by their attractive display of organic produce, along with the increasing variety of eco-friendly products Target stocks – all at great prices, of course. The reason for my visit was to check out their new display of Mom Made organic foods. Now’s the best time to try Mom Made — for free. Mom Made will refund the purchase price of one Mom Made for Baby, Mom Made Munchie, or Mom Made Meal purchased at SuperTarget through December 10th. Just download this form for info on where to send your receipt and proof of purchase.

Savings Tip#2 – Free Shipping on Energy Efficient LED Lights
Think compact fluorescents are the latest and greatest in energy efficiency? Think again. LEDs are the wave of the future. Prices are coming down, and the energy savings are enormous. (Check out this comparison chart to get informed on the differences between incandescent, compact fluorescent, and
LED lighting for details). Now you can order that practical someone on your list the latest in LED lighting technology – with free shipping for the holidays. Check out Mr. Beams motion sensor activated SpotLight and StairLight, and read their great consumer reviews here.

Savings Tip #3 – 10% off Soft Organic Cotton Tees and Note Cards
Got a dog lover on your list? What about an environmentally conscious dog lover who wants to support dog charities? Check out these adorable, soft, whimsical organic cotton tees printed with water-based inks and the matching note cards, printed on FSC certified paper by an FSC certified printer in a carbon-neutral facility. Coordinating envelopes made from 100% recyclable paper, packed in biodegradable/compostable packaging with hemp string. Whether you choose to shake it off or live in the moment, there’s something for you at Fundamentally Dog! Use coupon code 1EM1108 to save 10% on your first purchase by 12/20/08. 

Happy Shopping…and remember, think carefully about how you spend…you can make a real difference by patronizing firms that are working hard to protect and preserve the environment. Want to take it a step further? Sign up for my friend Diane MacEachern’s “One in a Million Challenge,” and commit to shifting $1,000 of your spending to eco-friendly products. As Diane, author of The Big Green Purse, puts it “The more money you spend on green products, the more you encourage manufacturers to reduce pollution, save energy and water, use less packaging and protect natural areas.”

— Lynn

Copyright 2008 OrganicMania


9 Responses to “Buy Something that Makes a Difference Day!”

  1. Sparkle on November 29, 2008 8:27 am

    Hi Lynn

    You’ve highlighted some great savings tips. Another way to save money, help the economy and help the environment is to buy second hand goods. Recycling in all its forms is so important and I think, particularly at this difficult time for lots of people, buying second hand clothes and household goods is a fantastic way to make a contribution and help money go further.

    We have seen in the last 20 years or so the emergence of the “throw away” society. Now, we need to remember how to reuse stuff and not be ashamed of buying second hand. Buying second hand baby clothes is particularly important as there is so much waste in this area, just because babies grow so fast and therefore the baby clothes are hardly worn.

    We can all make a contribution to our society by shopping carefully.

    Sparkle

    Hi Sparkle, thanks so much for stopping by OrganicMania! I appreciate your thoughtful comment. Absolutely, I agree with you…buying second hand or passing along items to friends is a great way to go. I wish I had done more of it with my first born, but I thought he was going to be an only and couldn’t resist all the cute baby clothes! My second boy barely has anything new! Freecycle is great for this too, and in the DC area, where I live, I consign and shop for the kids at a great second hand shop called Wiggle Room. — Lynn

  2. Unique Baby Gifts on November 29, 2008 9:40 pm

    Hi Lynn
    Your welcome … I’m happy to contribute to such an interesting Blog. I’ve read many of your posts today and have recommended your site to a couple of friends who I know will be interested. I’ve also Stumbled and added you to Digg.

    I know what you mean about not being able to resist the cute baby clothes!

    Kind regards
    Sparkle

    Wow, Sparkle, you made my day! Thanks for spreading the word about OrganicMania! — Lynn

  3. Diane MacEachern on November 30, 2008 9:37 am

    Lynn,

    Thanks for encouraging your readers to join the One in a Million campaign. Thousands already have, and it’s making a difference to all those green businesses that are also trying to stay afloat in today’s economy. I am with you on the “Buy Something That Makes a Difference” approach. Now is actually a good time to give eco-entrepreneurs a boost – as big or small as that boost may be. Happy holidays!

    Very well put — as always, Diane! Thanks! — Lynn

  4. Kristen on November 30, 2008 7:07 pm

    Thank you for this info and I will gladly pick up a Mom Made product at Target!

    I have shared this offer with members of a local chat board that I frequent. We have a tongue-in-cheek obsession with Target and are always looking for excuses to swing by. This is perfect!

    Hi Kristen,

    I’m so glad this rebate will be useful to you and that you’re spreading the word! Just wanted to remind you that Mom Made is stocked at SuperTarget – but not at the regular Targets!

    Hope my email and this comment caught you before you headed out!

    Best,
    Lynn

  5. Green Bean on November 30, 2008 9:48 pm

    Great post, Lynn. I do believe that we can shop really smart and expect a lot from merchants. If we demand it, they will eventually deliver.

    Totally with ya on that! Thanks so much for stopping by, Green Bean! — Lynn

  6. Ramona Russell on December 2, 2008 7:07 pm

    Thanks for writing about this. I created a company in memory of my 28 year old sister, Liz, who died from breast cancer. Uptown Liz (www.uptownliz.com) promotes products from companies whose proceeds go to charity. You can shop on this one-of-a-kind Web site by charitable cause or product category, knowing that every time you make a purchase you are making a difference. There are many great art, clothing, jewelry, house wares, beauty and eco-friendly products (just to name a few) that benefit charities all over the world.

  7. suzanne on January 24, 2009 2:59 am

    I also encourage people to shop from mom-at-home businesses, especially now during these tough economic times.
    Unique hand knit cotton baby hats

  8. Ten Thousand Villages on February 18, 2009 8:29 am

    And if you’re looking to purchase home decor items, personal accessories and jewelry that is not only environmentally responsible, but fairly made, check out Ten Thousand Villages. Recently named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, we strive to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries by establishing a sustainable market for handmade products in North America.

    Visit Ten Thousand Villages to learn more about an extraordinary shopping experience or locate a store near you.

  9. Todd on March 24, 2009 2:25 pm

    It’s interesting how the downturn has been gang buster business for fast food. McDonald’s is posting huge profits as people consider going to a real dinner a luxury. Out earth suffers as a result, so it’s up to each and everyone to carefully spend our dollars in a constructive way. Word is that recession has already peaked, so hopefully consumers can more easily spend responsibly again soon…

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