Shopping Green?

The Holiday season is upon us and I'm wondering who is shopping green this year?

I don't see many people out shopping in a frenzy yet. Is this a sign of our troubled economy or is it a sign of consumers becoming more conscious of their purchases? Hopefully the latter.

It is this time of year that we are the most wasteful. Buying and spending more than we should on those that we love. And its not just the gifts...it's the fuel we waste doing all that shopping. Driving from here to there to save a few bucks. And then to yet another 15 different stores trying to find just the right gift. Don't get me wrong I like to shop just as much as the next person, however, I'm trying to consolidate my shopping this year. I'm making lists and getting things online whenever possible. I know people hate to pay shipping, but if we figured what we spend in gas and time making all those trips, paying for shipping is actually cheaper on our wallets and easier on the environment. Try shopping with a friend and carpooling together. I know most of my shopping is being done online this year and when I do go out it will be an enjoyable relaxing trip where I can enjoy all the sights of the season without all the stress.

Many of the stores you would generally shop at like department stores or toy stores all have great, easy to use websites. The sales are generally the same or in some cases even better, because they can show every item from every store on their site.

You can also find much more unusual,unique and hard to find items on the internet. The internet is like the biggest shopping mall of all time! You can find everything from the latest Barbie or Game system to the most unique jewelry and art made by hand from artisans all over the world. Want to get the one you love something really unique and special? A gift they'll never forget? Look online! When you shop online, the world is your shopping mall.

Did you know? Especially during the holiday season it is much safer to pay with your credit card online than in a store? It is much harder for a thief to get onto a secure website than it is to go to a department store or a shopping mall and steal someones wallet or purse, or simply take down the numbers of your card while standing in line behind you! I didn't write this to make you afraid to shop, but many people are wary of shopping online because they feel the internet is not safe. If you are not sure whether a site is safe or not, look for a "secure site" logo. It will differ from company to company, but if the site is verified as secure by an outside company it will say so.

So... save a little GREEN this holiday season! Keep some green in your wallet by shopping online and save some environmental green by reducing your shopping trips this year!