Nonprofitshoppingmall Blog

Archive for the ‘shop green’ Category

Yes Virginia, You Can Have It All with Angie’s List

Posted on December 22nd, 2009 by Jasmine in home improvement, productivity tools, shop green, sustainability 0 Comments

angieslistlogo_lrg

Whether it’s last minute holiday repairs or getting a jump start on those nagging home improvement ideas you’ve been putting off – Angie’s List is your go-to site to get it all done!

Have you ever wished that when hiring a professional for home improvement jobs, you could see a report card on their performance? What about having the ability to read reviews from the people in your neighborhood without having to go door to door for advice? Perhaps you are pessimistic due to a prior disaster involving a contractor with less than classy behavior around your children. Or maybe you have had a surprisingly satisfying experience with a team of local landscapers who not only helped you realize your dream but made it better than you could have imagined. Whether you need a job done or you have just had one completed and would like to share your experience, Angie’s List is the answer to everything.

What is Angie’s List?
Angie’s List is a website where you’ll find thousands of unbiased reports and reviews about service companies in your area. You can find information and costumer reviews on over 450 categories of service. Angie’s List members share their experiences with each other so that you can choose the service company that’s right for your job the first time around. This is more than just a resource site for home improvement. You will also find services such as health care, child care, fitness centers, catering and much, much more. You can even search from a list of strictly eco-friendly companies for those of you who are dedicated to green living.

When browsing through the Angie’s List you will find all kinds of extra helpful information. For example, there is Angie’s Tips and I think you’ll agree that the tips provided are not what you would expect from any normal website of this nature. Here are just a few topics that could help answer those little questions that nag you from time to time:

How to buy green flooring
When to keep a sick child home
How to break up with your hairstylist
Holiday decorating safety tips
Online shopping tips
Diabetes warning sign and tips

Angie also has what is called a penalty box. Rather than only listing those service providers that are excellent, she also finds it very important to list those that have failed to meet a costumer’s satisfaction. The penalty box is operated by a complaint resolution process. There are four possible outcomes in the resolution process.
The first outcome is “pending” meaning that the complaint is in process and a final outcome has not yet been determined. The second is “resolved”, this simply means that the service company has met the member’s request for resolution to the complaint. The third is “stalemate” and it means that the service company has responded to the member’s request for resolution, but they have declined to fulfill the member’s requirements for resolution. The fourth and final outcome is “penalty box” and this is reserved for companies that have failed to respond to a costumers request for resolution, or sometimes they have responded but failed to follow through with their promise to the costumer. Bottom line is you don’t want to end up in the penalty box if you are a company on Angie’s List and as a consumer you would want to steer clear of these companies for your service needs.

There is quite a bit of buzz surrounding Angie’s List. Aside from all the wonderful advice, helpful tid bits and dozens of other reasons to visit this website there is a wonderful section where you can check local news reports as well as local costumer reviews just by picking your city and state from a drop down list. Once you choose your town you will be directed to a page where you can read thousands of reports to help you in your decision making process.
Check out some of the reviews from nationwide reports:

newyorktimes

todayshow

usnews

And here are some costumer reviews:

“I’ve heard horror stories about women being taken advantage of on price and service, and I didn’t want this to happen to me. So I talked to a friend, and she directed me to Angie’s List. What a blessing! Now I can avoid being the victim of another horror story. Thank you Angie’s List!”
–Jessica K., Atlanta, Ga.

“When I had a problem with a service provider, Angie stuck up for me, and I got action immediately. I wish I would have called earlier!”
–Robert H., Columbus, Ohio

“Before Angie’s List, selecting a service provider was like throwing darts blind folded. Those who report on Angie’s List have helped me make informed, logical, educated decisions. I am truly grateful.”
–Nancy B., St. Paul, Minn.

“I think it’s great that people can use Angie’s List for medical referrals. I absolutely love my pediatrician, and I think people should know about
my holistic dentist!”
–Joan L., San Jose

There is also a fabulous blog section, podcasts, and Angie’s List Magazine. You might be wondering if there is a fee to join Angie’s List and the answer is yes, but the fees are minimal and with so much information at your fingertips it’s hard to imagine why anyone would use any other resource for their service needs.

So go check out Angie’s List from our retailer line-up. I’m confident you will be impressed and the next time you need any type of service for your home you’ll know exactly where to turn for help.

Join the dialogue You Digg? Del.icio.us Permalink

Go Back Green

Posted on September 5th, 2008 by Corine in back to school, buy green, environment, shop green 0 Comments

Why Not Make It a Green ‘Back to School’?

There’s some things that naturally go hand-in-hand and September and ‘Back to School’ is definitely one of those things. You just can’t help thinking of one without the other. While it’s always a bit of a last-minute shopping frenzy, getting the right clothes, the right supplies, etc., we’re promoting a green school year through some of our favorite green retailers! While classes have already begun for some, there’s still time to do much of your Back to School shopping online – That’s not just making it easy, it’s also making a statement – no driving and many of our green retailers off-set their carbon usage as well through their shipping. So Go Back Green with: green school supplies, a cool green wardrobe and smart green accessories and gear…

  • Laptop Lunch: These lead-free lunch containers are reusable, recyclable, and dishwasher safe. $114.99 – a less expensive version is also available for $34.99 and is called the Lapton Lunch Bento Set.
  • Banana Paper: 100% Post-Consumer content with four content variations: Banana, Coffee, Lemon and Mango fiber content. $8.99
  • Colored Pencil Set: 100% environmentally friendly, made from recycled newspaper using patented ‘Rolled On’ method, water resistant and last 2-3 times longer than ordinary wood pencils. $9.16
  • Wildlife Folders: Made of recycled newspaper and cardboard, and available in 5 different designs. $2.44


  • Of the Earth Street Purse: Sling Of the Earth’s Street Purse over your shoulder and head out for the day with all your essentials. The canvas material is durable on the outside, while the hemp organic cotton blend shows how inside you care. Top zip access is convenient and safe on crowded city streets. Tons of external pockets make it easy to store your cell phone where you can grab it with less hassle. $35.96 – and it comes in assorted colors.
  • Arc’teryx Rho Lightweight Beanie: The Rho LTW Beanie provides old-wool performance with new-wool comfort. Warm, soft, itch-free merino wool makes the Beanie a great choice for everything from skiing to just being outside. This Arc’teryx beanie blocks the wind better than a fleece hat, and it’s far more comfortable than traditional wool. $29.95, red or beige.

  • Earth Write Pencil: The Earth-friendly pencil casing, made from recycled newspaper. $0.99
  • SpineVue Locking Round Ring Binder: Made of 45% recycled content, includes pockets and front and back cover insert. $5.54

  • Scoopneck Zip Hoody: A hoody made of natural, breathable Bamboo Cotton Lycra French Terry grown without pesticides or fertilizers, the hoody has a super-soft, cashmere-like feel and a totally hip design. $65.95
  • Men’s Hawk Tee: Each t-shirt is made in an African eco-factory of 100% soft organic cotton jersey. $42.95

  • I Path: Men’s Cat Vulc Loafers, eco-friendly hemp or printed fabric upper in a casual skate chukka style with a round, stitched moc toe. Two eyelet lacing, side vents, I Path logo detail and stitching accents. $69.99

This brief overview is just that – a quick look at a couple of retailers with a wide variety of green supplies, clothing and accessories. Other retailers to check into are Apple, Dell, HP, Staples, Office Depot and National Geographic to name but a few.

Join the dialogue You Digg? Del.icio.us Permalink