Occasionally, I find a reason to write an extra Substack post. I’m proud to say, today is one of those times.
Tomorrow is Earth Day, and it is also the launch day for Diane Osgood, PhD's exceptional book Your Shopping Superpower.
I have had the remarkable privilege to know Diane for the past five years. We met in a global writing group and were partnered when we were writing the outlines for our respective books. I got to see the scaffolding for this wonderful resource as it was constructed, and I’ve been delighted to watch it come to market. Diane’s passion for and extensive knowledge of conscious consumer behavior is woven into every page of this book. If you have ever agonized over how you could make a principled stand when it comes to your shopping habits, yet wondered where and how to start, this is the guidebook for you.
There are many fabulous things to tout about Diane’s book, but one in particular stands out. In a landscape of preachy, finger-wagging scolds, Diane is a kind and gracious guide to shopping according to our values. Instead of judging anyone for their single-use plastics or their lack of knowledge about pesticides, she encourages us to first define our values and then teaches us how to align our purchasing to those values…and make a real difference in the world when we do.
When I first read Diane’s outline, I was eager to get the entire book. I teach Consumer Behavior at Concordia University Texas and I knew Your Shopping Superpower would be perfect for my students. I’m thrilled that Diane graciously allowed me to interview her for my undergrads this semester in advance of her publishing date. The students loved hearing from this impressive London School of Economics PhD, who is also down-to-earth and entertaining.
And that’s what you’ll get from her book: a vast array of knowledge and experience coupled with relevant, practical suggestions. On one hand, she speaks around the world and counsels heads of state; on the other, she generously makes time to sit for a Zoom interview for a bunch of business students at a tiny college in Austin. You’ll feel her warmth and concern throughout the book—and come to realize she’s your biggest cheerleader as you navigate the process of taking charge of your shopping habits.
How we spend our money truly is our superpower, and, as Diane reminds us, “Where your shopping dollars go, the economy follows.” I can’t recommend this resource enough.
And one more thing: Once you buy the book, follow Diane on Substack. You’ll get to hear even more from this brilliant researcher…and genuinely wonderful human being.
What are you waiting for?
When we most need a guide, true to form, one has appeared. An extraordinary one at that!
Fantastic book launch in Los Angeles today. So happy to have been there to celebrate Earth Day and shopping with super power! One person bought ten books. Have you bought yours yet?