Gasoline Credit Cards

By Jessica Hupp

These days, saving money isn’t the only thing shoppers are worried about. Now, consumers are very aware of the way their shopping affects the world, and there are a number of resources out there designed to help make responsible consuming easier. Here, we’ve compiled 100 of these resources, from shopping directories to sources of information.

Networks

Join these networks to get an ongoing look at what you can do to make your consumption more responsible.

1. Care2: Find news, other conscientious consumers, and more in the Care2 network.
2. The Sierra Club: This group protects the planet while offering lots of fun outings for members.
3. Responsible Purchasing Network: This network offers consultants and assistance for making your purchases more responsible.
4. Buy Wisely Forum: Visit this forum to share and get ideas for conscientious consuming.
5. Families for Conscious Living: Join this site to get newsletters, tips, and more resources for conscious living.
6. The Simple Living Network: This network is full of resources, community services, and information.
7. The EnviroLink Network: Stay on top of environmental news and resources with this network.
8. Eco-Portal: Find tips, news and more information on environmental sustainability in this source.
9. Earth Forums: This forum is home to an earth conscious directory full of resources for eco-friendly shopping.

Where to Shop

Whether you’re looking for organic clothing, or a goat to send to a third-world country, you’ll find what you’re looking for in these online stores.

10. Made By Survivors: The hand-made products in this store are created by survivors of human trafficking.
11. No Sweat: This store features union-made, sweatshop-free apparel.
12. The American Environmental Health Foundation: This foundation researches chemical sensitivity, and sells environmentally safe products.
13. Oxfam America Unwrapped: On this site, you can buy sheep, trees, school uniforms, and more as a gift.
14. Littlearth: Shop eco-friendly for stylish clothing and accessories, and even sportswear for fans of the NFL and NHL.
15. ReProduct: Buy reusable greeting cards and paper products from this company that focuses on eliminating waste and protecting the environment.
16. Tom’s Shoes: When you buy a pair of comfortable walking shoes from Tom’s Shoes, a child in need will get a pair as well.
17. Alternative Gifts: With this site, you can send a life-giving gift in honor of a loved one.
18. Gaiam: Get supplies and information for sustainable living on Gaiam.
19. Planet Squared: Get a dose of environmentally friendly culture on this site that sells non-toxic, recycled music, art, and furniture.
20. Greenfeet: Find responsible home items at this store. You can even set up a gift registry.
21. Real Goods: Get solar energy and off-the-grid living supplies from this outlet.
22. Abundant Earth: This environmental super store offers a number of environmentally sensitive products, plus a charitable giving program.

Directories

Find even more socially and environmentally friendly stores, services, and associations through these directories.

23. eConscious Market: In this market, you’ll find socially responsible goods and can choose a charity of your choice to receive 50% of the net profits from your purchase.
24. Conscious Choice Directory: This directory offers links to professional services, products, and more.
25. Happy Hippie: In this directory, you’ll find eco-friendly products.
26. Eco Business Links: This green directory is powered 100% by wind energy and offers thousands of reviewed websites.
27. Green People: Here you’ll find eco-friendly products like organic food, health and beauty items, and even supplies for pets and babies.
28. Pristine Planet: Who says responsible has to be expensive? Get the best deal with this eco-friendly comparison shopping site.
29. Socially Responsible Directory: This directory offers books, shopping resources, and more.
30. Responsible Purchasing Network Directory: Check out this directory for network-approved responsible sellers and members.
31. Buy Indie: This portal highlights independently-owned retailers.
32. Green Matters: Find businesses that support the environment and offer green alternatives in this directory.
33. Conscious Consumer Marketplace: In this marketplace, you’ll find online and local sources for responsible products.

Certifications & Assessments

When you’re shopping for big ticket items like building materials and appliances, look for these certifications to be sure you’re making a responsible choice.

34. Eco-labels center: Visit this resource from Consumer Reports to find out what the labels on your products really mean.
35. EPEAT: The Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool will help you determine how responsible your new computer is.
36. Energy Star: When buying appliances and other home items, look for the Energy Star seal.
37. National Assessment of Tap Water Quality: Check out this database to check out your water quality.
38. USDA Organic: Learn more about the USDA Organic label on this site.
39. Green Seal: Use Green Seal products and services to ensure you’re shopping responsibly.
40. EcoLogo: Canadian consumers can look for the EcoLogo for environmentally responsible products.
41. Forest Stewardship Council: FSC certified members practice good forest management.

Conscientious Finance

Make sure that your investments are responsible by using these conscientious finance tools and groups.

42. Dow Jones Sustainability Group Index: Use this group’s methodology to find some of the best sustainability-driven companies to invest in.
43. Community Investing Center: Learn how to get started with community investing through this site.
44. Kiva: Invest in Kiva, and you’ll give 3rd-world entrepreneurs the funds they need to start a small business.
45. Green Money Journal: Stay on top of the latest in green investment with this publication.
46. SocialFunds: This personal finance site is dedicated to socially responsible investing.
47. Social Investment Forum: This forum will teach you how to make a difference with your investments.
48. The Blue Fund: This mutual fund’s portfolio is full of companies with social responsibility.
49. PAX World Mutual Funds: This mutual fund believes in sustainable investing.

Recycling, Repair, and Repurposing

With these resources, you can avoid sending your old consumables to the dump.

50. Computer Upgrades: This guide from Consumer Reports will walk you through upgrading your computer instead of buying a new one.
51. Freecycle: Give away unwanted stuff, or find some for yourself on this site.
52. Creative ways to repurpose household items: Instead of tossing unwanted items, find a way to reuse them with this guide.
53. Computer Repair: If you’re thinking of tossing your broken computer, check out this guide first to see if you can repair it.
54. Recycle: New American Dream discusses the merits of recycling in this article.
55. Earth 911: Check out Earth 911 to find a recycling center near you and more.
56. Computer recycling: This guide from Consumer Reports will tell you whether it’s smarter to fix or recycle your computer.
57. E-cycling Map: Find e-waste recycling centers with this map from the EPA.
58. Computer Recycling Guide: With this resource, you’ll learn everything you need to know about recycling your old computer.

Information Sources

Check in on your favorite retailers, learn more about responsible consuming, or just research more ways to be conscientious using these information sources.

59. Federal Election Commission: Check out the FEC’s website to find companies who make political donations.
60. Consumerist: Hear all of the dirt about companies before you give them your money on the Consumerist.
61. GreenSense: This site offers loads of resources for sustainable living, plus a marketplace full of responsible products.
62. Corporate Contact: In this resource, you’ll find contact information for popular retailers, plus a form letter that you can use to encourage these companies to adopt ethical business practices.
63. Test Your Greenie IQ: Answer these questions about your daily life to find out how environmentally friendly you are.
64. Green Maps: Use this map resource to find green living resources.
65. Greener Choices: Consumer Reports’ green site is full of wonderful information.
66. Responsible Shopper: Check out Co-op America’s research for responsible shopping here.
67. The Story of Stuff: Check out this story to cast a critical eye on your shopping habits.
68. EcoSeeker: Hit this green search engine to find all sorts of conscientious information.
69. MAPLight: In this database, you’ll be able to see the connection between corporate donations and legislative votes.
70. Socially Responsible Consumer: Check out this site to get action alerts, company research, and more.
71. CorpWatch: This site keeps tabs on corporations and reports on their policies.
72. New American Dream: This site offers information on sweatshop-free clothing, and the practices of some of the world’s biggest retailers.
73. Public Integrity: Investigate lobbying dollars on this site.
74. Open Secrets: This organization finds corporations that attempt to influence legislation and policy with donations.

Education

Teach your children the value of responsible consuming using these educational tools.

75. Don’t Buy It: This site from PBS will teach your kits how to become media savvy.
76. What Kids Want That Money Can’t Buy: Parents should read this book to learn how to educate children about responsible consumerism.
77. Consumption Gumption: This game will test your child’s awareness as a consumer.
78. I Buy Different: Have your children check out this site to learn how buying different can have an impact.
79. The Great Green Web Game: When your kids play this game, they’ll learn how consumer choices affect the environment.

Articles & Guides

Get advice for buying, guidelines for ethical consumption, and more in these resources.

80. Guide to Infant Formula: Check out this guide to learn which brands and packaging aren’t best for your baby.
81. Eating organic: Get the most bang for your buck: This guide will help you save money when shopping organic.
82. Produce Guide: This guide ranks 43 popular fruits and vegetables based on their pesticide load.
83. Skin Deep: Find out how toxic your cosmetics are with this database.
84. Tips for Ethical Consumers: This list offers great tips for making more ethical purchases.
85. Conscientious Consuming: What is it?: This article gives a clear definition of what conscientious consuming is.
86. Conscientious Holiday Shopping Online: This guide touts the Internet as a great resource for conscientious shopping, and offers a number of links to responsible products.
87. Find out about the companies you buy from: This article describes why it’s important to research companies, and how you can go about doing so.
88. What is Ethical Consumption?: This article details the concept of ethical consumption.
89. Holiday Tips and Resources: In this article, you’ll find great ideas for making your holiday gift giving more conscientious.
90. Global Warming on the Road: Make your car more conscientious with this Consumer Reports guide.
91. Six Tips to Help You Simplify Your Life: Use these tips to simplify and take the focus off of consuming.
92. The Vocal Consumer: Here you’ll find a guide to being a consumer with an opinion.
93. How can you tell if it’s really ‘green’?: Follow this shopper’s guide from MSNBC to spot products and services that aren’t as responsible as they might seem to be.
94. Global Warming at Home: Consumer Reports offers tips on how you can reduce your carbon emissions at home, and how much you’ll save.
95. Holiday Shopping Guide for the Conscientious Consumer: Check out this shopping guide to find conscientious gifts for everyone on your list, any time of year.
96. Local Buying Guide: Check out these responsible buying guides for selected cities.
97. Greenercars: Check out this site to research environmentally friendly cars.
98. Tips for Parenting in a Commercial Culture: Use this guide to help raise your children with informed ideas about consumerism.
99. Conscientious Consuming: Why it Won’t Work: Despite its title, this article explains why conscientious consuming is a powerful force.
100. You Can Make a Difference, But Do Your Homework First: This guide debunks a number of misconceptions about conscientious consuming.