Organic Chocolate from Seeds of Change
Today begins a new feature on Diane’s Big Green Purse: the Environmental In-Box product review. Every Monday morning, I’ll review at least one of the products I’ve been sent during the previous week. I’ll award three green purses to products that merit your
Don’t Buy Plants. Swap! (I did, and saved $50.)
One of the most economical gardening moves I ever made was to join my local horticulture club. For just $12 a year, I get access to great gardening advice, some lovely garden tours, and a list-serv of other gardeners who
What’s the best way to keep your hands clean?
Note: I said “clean,” not “disinfected.” What’s the diff? The mechanical action of handwashing – rubbing your hands together with soap and water – is what’s important because that’s what breaks down the tiny bits of grease, fat and dirt
What’s in YOUR body, Mom?
In 1974, an environmental scandal rocked my world. I and millions of other people living in the state of Michigan were informed that the milk we’d been drinking had come from cows that had accidentally been fed fire retardant instead of cow
Here’s How You Can Afford to Spend 30% More on Organic Food
Clean out your fridge. But before you toss all the expired or rotted food you find into the trash can, put it on your counter. Now do a rough calculation of how much that ‘trash’ cost you. Don’t be surprised
Are there any “good” paper towels?
Making paper is one of the most polluting industries on the planet. It uses huge amounts of water and energy. It may use chlorine to bleach the paper white, and that chlorine may create dioxin, one of the deadliest toxins
Does Factory Farming Cause Swine Flu?
What causes swine flu and how can you protect yourself from getting it? The deadly disease has started to emerge in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Hong Kong, worrying public health officials and leading many consumers to wonder how they
Ten Low Cost, High Impact Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
Low Cost: 1) Go outside. Take a walk, sit on your porch, have lunch in the park, eat a picnic dinner with family or friends. Looking outside doesn't count. Get out there and just…relax. 2) Plant something. If the idea of
This Earth Day, Save the Planet – and Save $4,000/yr, Too
Living a greener life is one of the fastest, easiest ways to save money. In fact, you can save almost $4,000 every year by taking easy steps to use less energy, reduce waste, and simplify your lifestyle. In honor of Earth
Opera Singer Shifts $1,000 to Save the Planet
Elizabeth de Shong makes her living as a professional opera singer. But she’s made “green living” a priority for herself and her family. To show her commitment, she joined the One in a Million Campaign, and so far has shifted
