Around two-thirds of consumers care about the environment but their purchases are primarily determined by price*
(*source: LOHAS Consumer Trends Database Study)
I’m wondering who these people are who aren’t concerned about price. Some people will pay more for something because of its perceived value; because they think of a particular something or another as a status symbol or badge; or maybe, simply because they have more money than they know what to do with and why not spend it! I, as most of you readers out there, for sure don’t fall in that last category. (If you do, that’s ok!) The second category, I think we may all be a little guilty of – falling into a trap because what we buy conveys a message about who we are. That’s just human nature. We care what others think about us. But when it comes to green, it never enters my mind what others think of the choices I make. BUT, I certainly don’t have money to throw around and I’m constantly seeking out green products that keep some green in my pockets.
In a perfect world, I don’t think that we should be forced to make choices that could negatively effect our health or the environment because of price. But we live in an imperfect world. We’ve spent decades making strides in technology and science creating chemicals that make the products that we use better, more efficient, etc. But, we didn’t have the foresight or stewardship to actually test these chemicals before pumping them into products, our foods, our bodies, our earth. Now, we’re at a crossroads. We want to make better choices and we don’t want to spend too much, but because of some not so good choices we made in the past, it’s not so easy to move forward. Yes, there are environmental impacts, but there are also economic ones. We can’t just rip the bad products off the shelves – imagine what that would do to big businesses, jobs, etc if retailers simply told the “not so good brands” (a euphemism at its best!) they’re no longer welcome on the shelves of our favorite stores. On the other hand, we need to make a shift in a healthier, more positive direction.
My suggestion, health and beauty care companies, food companies, household product brand – BRING OUT ONE NEW PRODUCT A YEAR THAT IS HEALTHIER, NON TOXIC, MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY. Slowly, but surely, phase out the bad and bring in the new.
Clearly, we need to do a better job of stewardship – making sure that chemicals are actually tested before we put them into our every day products.
And, I also challenge you. Go through your bathroom cabinet, shower, pantry, refrigerator – pick one place to start – and each week look at the ingredients of the products that you use every day. Use the internet (www.ewg.org or simply goolge) to research ingredients. Educate yourself. Replace the bad with products that are better for you, your family and the environment. I’m not saying they’re going to be cheaper, but you can find inexpensive alternatives. You don’t have to run out and buy organic – perhaps a trip to a local farmer’s market may suffice. Or pick up an issue of Whole Living magazine and look for recipes, beauty tips, etc on living a more natural and balanced life. Unfortunately, green is still a niche. It’s top of mind and on the tips of our tongues, but it’s still sort of marginalized in our every day shopping experiences. This won’t be the case five years from now, but don’t wait 5 years to start making changes.
