You’re probably already familiar with Cyber Monday. But are you familiar with Green Gift Monday, November 29?

As fans of The Nature Conservancy, we gladly accepted their invitation to participate in this online event. What’s it all about? Conscious consuming…not getting sidetracked by Black Friday and all its hype.

Staying true to our values, every day of the year. Before purchasing any holiday gifts, simply ask yourself:

• where was this item made
• how was it made (by whom and of what materials)
• do I love it
• will it last
• does the recipient really need this?

As conscious consumers, we take responsibility for our actions. If an item is made in China, India, or some other far away country — take into account the miles and energy it took to get that item into that store. Most likely, you can find an alternative manufactured under Fair Trade conditions, right here in the USA. And the more we support these “alternatives,” the sooner they’ll become mainstream and their retail prices will be reduced.

Consider the materials required to produce each item you buy.  Plastic?  Yuck – filled with petro chemicals. Look for an alternative that’s made of bio-plastic or recycled plastic. (If you need some guidance, contact us at:  info (at) alternativeConsumer.com.)

Last year, we consumers spent nearly $890 million bucks online on Cyber Monday. That’s a lot of consumer power...Think: Triple Bottom Line: people, planet, profit.

One place you’ll find some great green gift ideas is @ www.nature.org/. The Partners in this year’s Green Gift Monday program are all offering great gift ideas, as well. And if you’re looking for a great gift for someone who already has everything – make a donation to a nonprofit in their name. An organization that helps preserve and conserve our planet. It’s an awesome thing to do!

Buy with your heart, mind and soul. Not just your wallet.

You’ll feel great knowing that your hard earned dollars are now in the hands of people who care about you, our planet and keeping our country’s economy financially sound. A triple hit of good karma.

Here’s to the start of a jolly good holiday season!