I’m Now One of ElevenMoms! (Technically 13)

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I told you guys last week that Wal-Mart had invited me to join their ElevenMoms initiative, a group of mothers (more than 11 in number) whose mission is to help folks stretch their dollars. After much debate, inner turmoil and hand-wrangling about whether I should take the plunge, I finally decided to do it. A lot went into that decision, but here are my final thoughts:

1. As several commenters on the original post pointed out, Wal-Mart is such is huge company that even small changes on their part could add up to a profound environmental impact. For example, if Wal-Mart made the step to completely discontinue the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags in their stores, can you fathom the global impact that would have? We’re talking hundreds of millions of plastic bags each year.

2. Few people ever really get the change to influence the decision-makers at the companies we patronize. It is easy to point a finger and say how bad the company’s record is. It takes, however, a lot more courage to step up and be the one to help them make a change. I prefer be optimistic about my ability to be a voice for people who see a greener future ahead. Because whether I join or not, tomorrow morning, there will still be a Wal-Mart and millions of shoppers who will spend their money there. If I can help that tomorrow be a cleaner, greener, less toxic day, by all means, I want to do that.

3. There is an obvious lack of diversity in the group. So I will get to be a voice for two demographics.

4. Participation is optional for all of the group’s activities is optional. I will not be forced to accept anything or participate in anything I am uncomfortable with.

In case you are wondering, nothing will change here at Green Your Decor. The focus of my blog is sustainability, not saving money, and it will stay that way. Because I understand the value of paying more for a sustainable product that is likely to last a lifetime instead of a cheaper alternative that will have to be replaced in a few years. I will continue to do what I have always done: Feature awesome eco-friendly home decor products, some of which will be pricey, all of which will be green

I will do my best make this venture as transparent as possible. Though there is currently no financial incentive, if this changes in the future, I will disclose any benefits or perks, financial or otherwise. For example, all the moms were provided with a Flip video camera at the start of the group so that they can record video blog posts, mostly involving money-saving tips. I don’t know whether I’ll become a video blogger anytime soon, but in the interest of fairness, I will also be given a Flip video camera.

All that said, I welcome your comments and opinions, and I’d like to share with you this quote left by commenter Rebecca C.: “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

THE OTHER MOMS

I’d also like to introduce you to the other mom bloggers in the ElevenMoms group, some of whom you may already know or read:

• Alyssa Francis: Kingdom First Mom
• Amy Clark: Mom Advice
• Christine Young: From Dates to Diapers
• Colleen Padilla: Classy Mommy
• Denise Sawyer: The Centsible Sawyer
• Erin Gifford: Coupon Cravings
• Heather Batts: The Domestic Diva
• Jenn Fowler: Frugal Upstate
• Jessica Smith: Jessica Knows
• Lucretia Pruitt: GeekMommy
• Lynnae McCoy: Being Frugal
• Tara Kuczykowski: Deal Seeking Mom