Diane MacEachern Interview

Diane MacEachern, the founder and CEO of Big Green Purse, is passionate about empowering women to use their marketplace clout to protect the environment.

A best-selling author, successful entrepreneur, sought-after public speaker, and long-time conservationist, she has launched the only company in the U.S. dedicated specifically to transforming women’s environmental concerns into measurable improvements in our quality of life.

As a nationally syndicated Washington Post Writer's Group newspaper columnist, Diane wrote weekly "Tips for Planet Earth," answering readers' questions on a wide variety of enviornmental topics. She has produced numerous award-winning publications for members of Congress, the media and the public at large.

Diane played an integral role in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's campaign to educate the public about global warming. She also worked with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance to establish the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument during the Clinton Administration.

EG: What motivated you to write Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World?

I wrote Big Green Purse to inspire consumers to use their marketplace clout to protect the planet. If we wait for legislation and regulations to “fix” things, we’ll be waiting forever. We can use our money right now to reduce pollution, save energy, and protect wilderness and wildlife. Big Green Purse explains why it’s important to act, and offers many actions people can take that will protect them, their families and the world.

EG: Please describe how you approached writing the book.

I’ve been working on these issues for many years now, so I already had a terrific foundation of knowledge; that was my point of departure. Thereafter, I outlined every chapter of the book, then researched from dawn until dusk filling in the holes.

EG: What surprised you the most during your investigations?

There are more “green” options in the marketplace than I had expected. In virtually every area of consumer spending, shoppers can choose an option that will save more energy, use fewer toxic chemicals, and generate less waste than the conventional alternative.

EG: Which three suggestions from Big Green Purse will help us be on our way to being part of the solution instead of part of the problem?

First, simplify – everything! Next, resist the urge to “keep up” not just with the proverbial “Jones-es,” but with all the new technological innovations that are driving waste through the roof (i.e., don’t keep buying a new cell phone!). Third, buy less. Reuse what you have, swap, trade, recycle...if you commit to keeping your money in your purse or pocket book, you’ll benefit both the planet and your bottom line.

EG: How has the public responded to your book?

Based on the dozens of blog reviews, newspaper articles, radio interviews, and copies sold, I’d have to say: “Quite positively!”

EG: Are you seeing progress in people's attitudes towards the planet?

There’s no question that more people than ever before realize we need to act NOW to save the planet and protect human health. The problem is that so many people are confused about what to do and how to do it. I hope Big Green Purse and www.biggreenpurse.com help reduce confusion and make it easier for people to take actions that make a difference.

EG: How did a commitment to nature become a multi-billion dollar industry?

I don’t think what’s going on is a “commitment to nature” as much as a cop-out. The right thing to do right now would be for everyone to reduce consumption. Instead, people are being convinced that they can fix things by buying “green.” Of course, what you purchase should be the most environmentally friendly option available. But shopping’s not going to fix the problem.

EG: The green markets are evolving very fast. How much green consumerism can really make a difference?

We need to show that green products can be as profitable as their polluting counterparts. But fundamentally, we need to develop an economy that can enjoy prosperity without the kind of consumption-driven growth that’s characterized the past. We need significant climate change legislation, a commitment to reduce the release of toxic chemicals into the environment, the preservation of more wilderness and natural resources. Reducing what we buy, then buying the greenest available product is part of the equation, too – but won’t solve the problem on its own.

EG: How about men? Are they expected to take part in the creation of a greener world?

Absolutely! I focus on women because we spend $.85 of every dollar in the marketplace. But ANYONE who spends money can make a difference.

EG: What are you working on now?

I’m looking at ways to reach more middle-of-the-road Americans, the ones who are inclined to ‘go green’ (as opposed to the die-hard greenies), but who feel they can’t afford it or don’t know what to do. It turns out that living green is often more economical than the status quo. I’m hoping through my blog and website and book, people will realize not just that they should choose green, but they’ll save money when they do!