Posts Tagged ‘green movement’

The 21^st century goal of sustainability is the focus of today’s world. With the overwhelming statistics, and the global warming proponents, the world now has to deal with all the ramifications of our planets resources. The marketplace is going to be made aware of our carbon footprint, and the materials used for all sorts of building, manufacturing, and durable goods.  Depending on the part of the world you live in, the investment and standards will be reflective of the economy and range of resources.

Daily life is certain to incorporate the next big thing, which is documented to address the carbon footprint that we leave. Retailers are looking to the market, through the eyes of the consumer, before they stock their shelves. Today’s environment is eco-friendly and in tune with nature. Lifestyle choices reflect the close look consumers are taking, when purchasing products from the practical to the luxurious. Consumers are more sophisticated, and in touch with the needs of the planet.

The understanding of the role that sustainability plays in the 21^stcentury is crucial to manufacturers, retailers, architects, home builders, and corporations. Collaborated efforts and the sharing of research will be the major focus of developing opportunities to reverse the trend which has depleted much of the earth’s resources. The challenges will continue to fuel the growth of eco-friendly businesses; the future of this segment will grow and dominate the world market.

Waste management, supply chain materials, recycled products, and renewable energy, are becoming increasingly important to the consumer. Reusable or disposable are examples of words that are increasingly important in the marketplace. At one time environmentally friendly was sort of a touchy-feely kind of experience. Now, it is survival 101, and is taking center stage in the world market. The ultimate story may well be played out in how we save the environment, and resources. Assessing the scene is really our scorecard to survival on this planet. We are now in a very challenging time, with the clock ticking away, and the path to the future being paved with our wastefulness, while our resources are being depleted.

Terms like water, carbon dioxide, organic matter, disposal, composting, biodegradable, and landfills are the terminology of this century. Pesticides, genetically modified, pasteurized, irradiated, and antimicrobial products make up the new vocabulary. From food products, to household cleaners it has become a world with scary and threatening imagery. Things like MSRA, and other infections that plague the hospitals, and other settings, means rethinking non-toxic solutions. Immunity is really the job of a powerful natural defense system that is intact in a healthy individual. A healthy planet would produce a healthy environment.

The claims that the function of science is to improve on nature are looking downright misleading, in the wake of all the problems caused by the misuse of the environment. The assessment demonstrated the lack of understanding of the role of the eco-system in place. The 21^st century goal of sustainability is now an ongoing commitment, as we transition to a more natural way of living.

The natural and organic movement is a national trend. The emphasis is on sustainability  As resources become depleted, we need to find ways to conserve. From beauty products, household cleaners, to the ingesting of supplements, and the consumption of dietary products, the consumer is aware of the rewards of using natural products. From the shelves of the grocery stores, to the beauty counters the natural and organic movement is now a mainstream component.

New studies abound on the advantages to both the consumer, and the eco-systems that organic is profitable, and beneficial to the end user. Buying is based on emotions as well as rational considerations, and this solidifies the appeal of natural products. The relevance is that it is easy to differentiate the natural products with slogans such as social responsibility, botanicals, therapeutic, antioxidant, and free of harmful chemicals.

“The Age of Naturals” Pink Report (January 2008) show the reasons, and perception of natural products among 1800 cosmetic buying women in the U.S.  The results were that 45% were afraid of chemicals, 80% thought it was better for their skin, and 60% said they did not want to apply chemicals on their skin.  This is the new consciousness of the consumer, and armed with the free flow of information on this front, traditional products manufacturers are taking heed of this movement.

The image that a company wants to foster is that their products are clean, pure, and biodegradable; this is very important to the perceived value of the company’s products. It is vital for the companies to address consumer concerns about the bioactive ingredients, health benefits, source, safety, and social responsibility of their business model.

This is what will add value to a brand, and elevate it in the consumer’s eyes. A company’s behavior reflects on their brand, the importance of the ecology, animal testing, pollution profile, and global presence is relevant and speaks to the consumer. The new slogan that beauty starts within means that almost all products that the consumer ingests, smells, and touches will come under closer scrutiny by the public.

The fastest growing market is the natural and organic segment, and the climate is right for growing applications of organic ingredients. This market is only beginning to flex its muscle, and manufactures are eager to embrace this trend. The nutraceuticals will reach into the athletic, periodontal, beauty, edibles, and household product market.

Since the health and wellness industry has been advocating personnel responsibility, people want to manage, and take control of what they use and consume. An educated consumer is going to dictate the terms, and conditions that will ultimately define the products coming to the shelves. Up to now the dietary and beauty industry were well established using synthetic products that were well received by the end user. Now these same companies are responding to the market, by adding ingredients such as lycopene, vitamin E, plant extracts, and antioxidants. Radiant health, glowing skin, and a sustainable planet will be the new considerations guiding manufactures who are trying to build a world class business. For those that want to follow the world leaders in the natural movement by providing the highest quality, purity, and performance products, there is a bright future in the quality driven market. The natural and organic movement is alive and well