1. Why did you start this “Bright Green” blog?

I’ve been trying to lead a greener lifestyle for as long as I can remember. When I started my blog there weren't many websites offering unbiased reviews of green, sustainable, healthy products. So I thought since I was doing this research anyway, I may as well share it with others who might be looking for the same sort of information.

2. Tell us about your key contributors. How did you bring so many experts together?

I've been lucky. Video producer, web master and lifelong environmentalist, Ross Dulmaine is key on several levels to The Alternative Consumer; he also happens to be my beloved husband. Working alongside him makes my day a lot more fun. Writer Jessica Howell hails from Detroit; she can write about any subject with a keen green sensibility, covering our Green Wheels of the Week on a steady basis. Jamie Bosso is a longtime friend and Massachusetts-based writer who, as a wife and mother of two, reviews books and health & beauty products for us frequently. Sylvia Hsue is a recent UCal San Diego grad who takes on any topic with a sharp scientific approach. The majority of our contributors have approached us with a desire to write for our blog. In addition to that small core, we've reached out to universities, to seek out interns and students who have an interest in writing about sustainability and other enviro-related issues.

3. Your blog covers many walks of life such as fashion, which people find difficult to associate with sustainable living. Where do your contributors get inspiration for such categories?

For the most part, I'd say we're inspired by what we see in the street (I'm a New Yorker) as well as what our personal needs may be. Fashion is an everyday component of all of our lives and a great vehicle by which people can express their desire to lead a more eco friendly lifestyle. Eco fashion doesn’t have to involve buying something trendy. It can often mean rummaging through thrift shops and vintage stores to find pre-loved items and “re-inventing” them. Sustainability, eco-friendly fabrics and dyes, fair trade manufacturing, and of course, the style and coolness quotient, all factor into our decision as to whether or not to include a product on The Alternative Consumer. Many of the designers are independents without the vast financial resources to support advertising, PR and marketing, so the exposure they get on our blog means a lot to their brand. We love to have fun and feature not only fashion, but the gamut of innovative design and environmental news ? home decor, gadgets, health &beauty, as well as “pet” projects.

4. How practical is sustainable living? Do you think anyone and everyone can use the tips for green living that you provide through your blog?

Going green does not have to cost a lot of money. Small, simple, steps in reducing our individual carbon footprints can have a big impact. Not everyone may be able to afford to install a solar roof on their home and go off-gid, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still find practical ways to conserve energy. I believe in collective, accumulative progress. Incremental change can make a big difference. By that I mean that as individuals, if we all make a concerted effort to lead a more conscious, healthy, environmentally aware existence, we'll all benefit over time.

5. What is it that attracts you to living naturally?

Living in harmony with nature makes the most sense to me. Given the finite nature of our resources, it seems like the most sensible thing to do.

6. What is the current trend in the arena of sustainable living? Are people becoming conscious about sustainable living or are they still adopting a carefree attitude?

I believe that for the most part, people are really starting to get it. They're starting to realize that "we're all connected" both to each other, and Earth. Even Big Box stores like WalMart are making a concerted effort to go green. Ultimately, there's still only one Mother Earth and we need to protect and preserve her.

7. Tell us about a few simple yet effective tips for green living.

We should all:

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - in that order.

2. Be conscious of all of Earth's natural resources and try to limit our use of NATURAL resources and consume consciously (shut off lights; walk of bike rather than drive; take brief showers instead of baths; give away rather than throw away things that we don't need anymore).

3. Before buying a product, consider whether or not we really need that product, and if so, ask yourself if you can DIY (do it yourself) or perhaps buy one that may be gently used? Also ask, “What is the Cradle to Cradle impact of your purchases?”

4. In general, be conscious about your every move-link errands and destinations to make as few trips in your car as possible. Use public transportation for long distance travel. Even drive your car more conservatively to conserve gas.

5. Support environmentally responsible, socially conscious companies. The price we pay for goods and services extends beyond the ticket price. Are we hurting underpaid and overworked employees by not buying Fair Trade? Are we hurting our planet and our bodies by not buying Certified Organic, sustainably made goods and services? We have choices; let's act responsibly and consciously.