Green America
You're already living green, buying green, and investing green. This Earth Day, what if everyone – all across America – followed your lead, adopted more ways to live green and shifted 10 percent of their spending toward goods and services that benefit people and the planet?
Green America's corporate responsibility director, Todd Larsen, crunched the numbers published by the US Department of Labor for the average American household's 2009 purchases, and came away with an inspiring conclusion. If all American households shift just 10 percent of their current spending to green purchases, we could steer $300 billion toward green jobs and the green economy.
Think about it. That's $300 billion toward businesses that build community… $300 billion toward recycling, composting, and reuse… $300 billion toward reduced energy use… $300 billion toward fair supply chains that protect workers and stop sweatshop abuses.Equally powerful, the reverse of the equation is true. Shifting 10 percent to green means pulling $300 billion worth of support out of the business-as-usual economy. That's $300 diverted from supporting fossil-fuel expansion… $300 billion pulled from irresponsible, exploitative banks… $300 billion of support denied to big-box stores with questionable sourcing standards and disastrous carbon footprints.
Below, we list ten top strategies for shifting 10 percent to green. Take the 10-percent challenge. And then, forward this list or post it to your Facebook page to get your networks involved in the $300 billion Green Economy Challenge. Here's to shifting 10 percent – or more — to green.
Alisa Gravitz,
Executive Director,
Green America
The greenest thing you can do is to not buy new at all. Use our resources for inspiration on how barter or cooperate for just about anything: books, movies, clothing, food, home repairs, and more.
Bartering: Get What You Need Without Money »
Dinner Co-ops: Cook One Meal, Eat for a Week »
Neighborhood Home Repair Teams »
25 Ways to Give and Get What You
Need Without Money »
When you plant your own garden you can ensure that your food is organic and healthy, and since there is no transportation involved, there are no climate change emissions. A National Gardening Association study found that the average family spends $70 a year on maintaining a vegetable garden, and grows $600 worth of harvest.
Food Miles and Global Warming »
Think Globally, Can Locally »
Switch your lighbulbs, fire your clothes dryer, unplug small appliances that draw electricity even when they're turned off. There are many strategies for pursuing energy efficiency, which reduces the amount of power you'll need to produce to go all the way, with wind or solar.
23 Steps for Energy Efficiency »
Making Solar Affordable Now »
If only 1 percent of car owners in the US did not drive for one day a week, we would save an estimated 42 million gallons of gas per year, and keep 840 million pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
31 Ways to Walk More, Bike More »
Our “Car Lite” Worksheet »
5. Buy Used, Organic, or Sweatshop-free Clothes
Instead of heading to the mall for new clothes, you can buy stylish clothing at thrift and resale shops, or purchase new clothes that are sweatshop-free, organic, and/or Fair Trade from responsible clothiers. (Find companies in the Green Pages or in our Guide to Ending Sweatshops.)
Guide to Ending Sweatshops »
6. Buy Organic and Fair Trade Personal Care Products
Make-up and body-care products have been linked to allergic reactions, birth defects, even cancer. Many products contain oils and extracts that are harvested and produced in a way that harms the environment and exploits workers. Look for organic and Fair Trade products instead.
The Ugly Side of Cosmetics »
Household cleaners, paints and stains, furniture, carpets, and many other items contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and eye irritants. Instead, make your own cleaners from safe, household ingredients, or purchase greener cleaning products.
Our Heal Your Home Guide »
8. Support Local Green Businesses
Spending money at locally owned businesses keeps more money in your community, with some research demonstrating more than three times as much money staying the community — and a growing number of local businesses are going green. Our new ZIP code search function at the Green Pages can help you find local, green businesses near you.
Search the Green Pages »
You can invest in socially responsible mutual funds that earn competitive returns and promote corporate responsibility. You can also break up with your mega-bank and put your savings into community development banks and credit unions that invest in jobs, housing, and social services in local communities.
Break Up With Your Bank »
What to Know about Socially Responsible Investing »
10. Turn to the Green Pages
If you're not already a supporting member of Green America, join today. Find resources for every step on this list in the Green Pages, along with hundreds of green discounts and tips for green living.
Thanks for all you do!
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