Did you know that one of the most effective ways to promote energy efficient, sustainable, and recycled products is by voting with your pocketbook? Most major brands and companies are drastically modifying their materials sourcing, standards and requirements, and disposal practices all because consumers like you began demanding change.
No matter the reasons behind it, any company that wants to stay in business must offer alternative products and services, unless they would like their competitors to do it for them. In just about every category of consumer goods, from cleaning products to electronics, there are ways to purchase green.
Many certifications exist such as Energy Star for energy efficient consumer appliances, or Green Seal for household products. Other accreditations exist for services such as lodging and restaurants. Whatever the case, you can be sure that if it is a green or sustainable product, there will be marketing for the package or service to indicate so. Companies want nothing more than to make you aware of their efforts in hopes that you’ll be enticed to buy.
Green products and services are a serious multi-industry force with the capability to transform our very conception of what resources are and how we interact with them. However, buyers must be wary of those companies that aren’t entirely forthcoming with their efforts toward sustainability.
Commonly called “greenwashing”, the practice of fraudulently promoting products and services as sustainable when they are not, has necessitated the creation of various watchdog groups designed to sniff out fakers. Consumer research is therefore a critical component of making certain that you are getting what you paid for.