BlogHer - Consumer Spening - Comments

Organic Hype

janasmama — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 23:48:20 -0500

I am definitely pro green living and make educated choices about the things I buy. The only problem I see here with "switching" what consumers buy is that we should also educate them about over consumption. Americans are probably the biggest consumers because we are so wasteful. Although green products are sustainable, they still have to be made, packaged and delivered which consumes energy, fossil fuels, carbon emissions, etc. I understand that some companies do care but I also think that there is a big organic hype going on. Take for instance the use of organic beef. One might think that organic beef is best but really grass fed beef is better.

I hope that green companies don't just take advantage of the spending power of women and just try to get them to make the switch but actually prove their concern for the environment by educating families about how they can reduce their usage...and this goes further than reusable shopping bags.

Carrie, cloth diapering mama to my two beautiful babies
www.TheWishingWellness.com

Eco-Conscious Cosmetics and Skincare Products

jen38 — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 13:18:16 -0500

Wonderful article Elana, and very valid points Mary. We can make a huge impact by what we do and do not purchase. Two other areas came to my mind. Women make significant choices on what they choose to put on their own (and their families) skin: soaps, perfumes, shampoos... Considering their packaging, as well as environmental effects of these products going down our water drains. We also need to consider the health risks we take by using these beauty products. Supposedly over 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed internally, many common products with parabens have been shown to cause tumor developement.
Keep on with the posts! You are a great resource, thanks. Jen

Financial carbon footprints

Mary Clare Hunt — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:47:49 -0500

Diane is focusing on the ONE thing that will flip the market quickly, dollars! Companies selling consumer products will be watching this site. I signed up a few months ago and swapped out my breakfast cereal, milk and coffee for organics. Every morning I'm reminded of my contribution to changing the way we do business.