Introducing Product Reviews and Giveaways

After much soul-searching, I've decided to start doing some product reviews and giveaways here at The Conscious Shopper. In the past, I hesitated to review products because it felt somehow contrary to my definition of a Conscious Shopper as someone who:

• thinks before they buy
• is aware of the effects of their purchases on others and on the planet
• tries to choose the best possible products to meet their needs
• lives within their means

As we continue The Conscious Shopper Challenge this year, I'll continue to encourage you to find ways to reduce and reuse before buying a new product. I'll also continue to provide tips for DIY projects that can help you save money as you go green. But I've come to recognize that not everyone is keen on the DIY route (I too am getting tired of having to do everything myself), and in those cases where going green warrants buying something, it might be nice if I gave my readers a helpful little nudge in the direction of some of the great products I've come across.

Plus, there will be opportunities to win free stuff. (Who doesn't like free?)

I plan to make my reviews honest and thorough, analyzing the following criteria:

• packaging
  
• materials/ingredients
  
• manufacturing (where and how)
  
• quality
• affordability
• need for the product
  

Are there any other criteria you want me to include in my reviews? Are there any specific products that you'd like me to look into?

Stay tuned later this week for the first giveaway at The Conscious Shopper!

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You have hereby been challenged to go green in a year without going broke! Check out the latest challenge, or view the whole list of Challengicious Mondays.

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