Credit: Nick Reddyhoff

With some purchases, like a vacation home or a new car, consumers have long assumed that they should evaluate the total cost of ownership over time. But more and more people shopping for all kinds of things--food, clothing, travel, electronics--are now considering the total cost not only to themselves but to society. In fact, a host of innovative new products aim to reduce our overall costs and protect the environment at the same time. Many so-called green choices, even when they come at a small premium, actually save us money in the long run, because they last longer. I am inspired by this new wave of innovative products that deliver on their promises and are good for the earth.

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