Mommy Greenest Approved: Shop Smart with Climate Store

I’m not one to say you can shop your way out of a problem, but I do believe that choosing sustainable products for things you actually need—also known as “voting with your wallet” is super important. For me, that’s where ClimateStore comes in. The company brings together information and products that can help reduce your carbon footprint, and I’m proud to be named one of their Ambassadors for 2015. This month, I’m spreading the word about an Earth Week inspired ClimateStore #10forSolar program, which gives 10% back to community solar projects through the Solar Electric Light Fund—plus a list of solutions that are on my wish list. Because if you’re going to shop anyway, you might as well shop smart. Right?

The ClimateStore #10forSolar program gives 10% back to community solar projects for Earth Day. Because if you’re going to shop anyway, you might as well shop smart. Right? Problem: 11% of a home’s energy goes towards lighting.

Solution: LED bulbs use 90% less energy—and look great!

ClimateStore pick: Light Owl ($14.99) motion-detecting LED illumination.

Problem: Computers and electronics use 9% of energy in a home, but 20% is wasted because plugged-in devices continue to draw power even when they’re turned off.

Solution: Reduce so-called “vampire power” by setting your computer to sleep after five minutes, or use a smart power strip to do it for you.

ClimateStore pick: TrickleStar’s 8 Outlet Timer PowerStrip ($29.95) can be scheduled to cut power.

Problem: 12% of home energy goes to heat water, 50% of which is used in the shower.

Solution: Use a radio and limit yourself to two songs—that’s a six minute shower.

ClimateStore pick: Pause while you suds up with AM Conservation’s Spoiler P 3 Function Showerhead ($12.99) to save even more water!

Problem: Where does the other half of that hot water go? Laundry!

Solution: I already wash in cold, but wonder if my detergent is better suited for warmer temperatures.

ClimateStore pick: Organic Soap Nuts by NaturOli ($15.99) are actually the dried fruit of the Soap Berry tree; they’re biodegradable, hypoallergenic and unscented. And they work equally as well in cold water as warm.

This post was sponsored by ClimateStore and meets the standards I’ve established to endorse a brand as “Mommy Greenest Approved.” Click here for more about Editorial Standards.