2009.02.20
Going green is losing steam
How are your efforts at going green lately?
A market research firm, Mintel, says the economy is "casting a shadow over green living's glow." Mintel has found that the number of Americans (36 percent) who almost always or regularly buy environmentally friendly products is flat from last year. The number tripled from 2007 to 2008, from 12 percent to 36 percent, according to a news release from Mintel.
The higher price of green goods likely is the culprit. More than half of the consumers in Mintel's survey said they would like to buy green products, but the items are too expensive.
There's further evidence of a slowdown in green buying activity, including a January report in which 52 percent of shoppers said green cleaning products are too expensive, according to Mintel. Also, in October, four in five adults said they would buy more organic foods if the items were cheaper.
"A substantial number of shoppers are now struggling just to provide the basics for their families, so green living is no longer top of mind for many Americans," said Marcia Mogelonsky, a senior research analyst at Mintel, in a news release.
"Today's shopper is looking for value," she added. "Value doesn't mean just low prices, but cost is definitely a factor."
Still, there is an opportunity for growth in green buying activity, though that may be once economic conditions are brighter.
Mintel forecasts 19 percent growth for green products through 2013, with high expectations for environmentally-friendly personal care items and household cleaners.
We made most of our changes already, so we're not affected much at all. We have used CFL lights for about 5 years now, and still have almost every original light still in use. We also have an electric weedeater and reel-type push mower for our front yard (though we have a gas-powered rider for our heavily sloped side and back yards and a gas weedeater for the thicker stuff in the vacant parcel next to us). We also have a plethora of re-usable grocery bags, we recycle almost everything we can and we'll be composting some food scraps and other items for our garden. We also live in a 1 year old home that was built to high energy efficiency standards with beefed up insulation, insulated windows, and energy star appliances. Plus, I've landscaped our house so that hopefully (if everything survives!) we'll have cleveland pear trees to shade the front (south face) of our house in the summer, with spruce trees flanking our west and north sides to act as a wind break in the winter. We're also going to invest in a soapstone wood stove in another year or 2 to provide our primary heat so we won't need to use our electric furnace. The wood heat will be more cost effective, and the stove we're getting is one of the cleanest burning available and uses a lot less wood than our fireplace currently does. So, while the economy stinks and we've cut back a lot of things, we actually haven't had to cut our green efforts because we already had a leg up on it.
Comment by Other John — February 21, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
When charting the economics of going green, it's not just about "buying" a line of green cleaners. It's also about using low-cost items to do the same thing high price items do and SAVING Green. Using vinegar and recycled newspapers to clean windows instead of traditional window cleaners and paper towels can be more cost effective AND healthier for you and the environment. This lifestyle change can't be measured easily but can add dollars into the economy to be spent on other things. The same goes for changing light bulbs, the bulb will last longer and use less energy, again less bulbs will be purchased and savings will be directed to spending in other areas, or even just adding to household savings.
Going green as a lifestyle choice is increasing in popularity. While it may not be as easily measured it will add up to substantial changes in waste stream, health, household and business finances and overall quality of life. Going green isn't losing steam, it's an invisible force for change. May the force be with You!
Comment by BGreen — February 24, 2009 @ 7:03 am
I've actually been more inclined to go green with the tanking economy. I use the CFL bulbs to cut our electricity costs and we are in the process of getting new windows because our heat has nearly single handedly emptied our bank account this year...I think that going ahead and spending the dough for energy efficient windows will save us big bucks in the long run.
I am also trying to cut back on buying paper towels and getting the washable ones which you can get from the dollar tree for a dollar so not much out of pocket there.
I think there are still a lot of ways to go green without breaking the bank. And even if you do have to shell out some cash, it will probably save you in the long run.
Comment by HCS — February 24, 2009 @ 4:20 pm