The Big Green Purse “One in a Million” campaign urges shoppers to shift at least $1,000 of money they budget for household goods and services into options that offer the greatest environmental benefit. Meet two women from different parts of the U.S. who have reached the “One in a Million” goal by buying common products as well as more innovative ones.

Bonnie (above, with her favorite “eco” pal) decided to go green while she was replacing some major home appliances. Take a look at her balance sheet (which she downloaded here).

Date                   Item                                                   Money
Sep07              Toilets                                                 386.48
Sep07              Microwave                                            249.95
Sep07              Stove top                                            1099.95
Nov07             Carpet                                                 3200.00
Nov07              Recessed Lighting/CFL bulbs                1093.00

Dec 07           CFL – Outside lighting                              298.00

Total ………………………………………………..$6,337.38

Cathie took a different route. While she has also replaced a major appliance — a clothes washing machine – she’s also shifted the way she spends her money at the supermarket, both on food and on cleaning products. Here’s how she used her purse power earlier this year.

Feb 19 – March 1, 2008

Item                                             Money Spent
Front-load washing machine              $1,232.71
4 PVC-free shower curtains                        7.76
Mother Earth Food, Drink                         26.00
100% organic bathmat, top, pants             90.00
Organic food/Health Food store                15.00
Organic food/Amish market                      12.50
Organic Food/Adams                                  4.00
Make my own cleaners – savings of …        35.00
Stop buying bottled water – save $8/wk
For 3 months      …………………..              96.00
Books on green living                               24.59

Total …………………………..                    $1,543.56

What’s interesting about these One in a Million achievers is that, in the course of switching their spending to more eco-friendly products, they also saved money. Cathie saved almost $100 in just three months by foregoing bottled water for tap. Bonnie will save at least $30 in electricity costs over the life of the bulb for every compact fluorescent she installed.

“Shift your spending to save” is a big part of the Big Green Purse message. Not only do you save money, but you usually save time and energy, too.

Thumbs up, ladies! And congratulations!

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