Test - Buying Behavior

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Twitter Buying Trends: Black Friday and Cyber Monday

November 28, 2014 Add Comment Edit

Holiday shopping is increasingly being influenced by social media platforms like Twitter, this is particularly true of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. As indicated in a 2013 poll, those who use Twitter spend more and use the portal as a strategy resource that informs their buying decisions.

According to a DB5 survey of 1,000 US adults 7 out of 10 of our users will rely on Twitter to enhance their Black Friday and Cyber Monday experiences. A total of 85 percent of Twitter users shop on Black Friday and 81 percent shop on Cyber Monday. Unsurprisingly, Twitter uses are bigger online shoppers than non-Twitter users. While 54 percent of all adults plan to shop on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday days, that number jumps to 68 percent among Twitter users.

Twitter users not only buy online, they are well informed and they do their research. Sixty percent of users say that Twitter plays an important role in their Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping. One survey respondent shared, "Twitter is invaluable for planning my strategic attack: for [finding out] about deals, where friends were shopping and whether the lines were too long."

Twitter users craft a shopping strategy ahead of other shoppers. Eighty percent of Twitter users start to plan for Black Friday at least one week in advance this is eleven points higher than the percentage of preparation exhibited by average shoppers which is 69 percent. For Cyber Monday, 72 percent of Twitter shoppers plan at least a week in advance.

Fifty-six percent say Twitter is one of the first places they go to research products. These shoppers also expect to hear about products and special promotions from brands. In fact, 78 percent say if they saw a Tweet for a sale at a nearby retailer they’d visit the store on Black Friday.

Eighty two percent of Twitter users cite cost saving as the reason they use the platform for shopping on Black Friday. Even more importantly Twitter is perceived as an enjoyable social experience. Fifty-nine percent of Twitter users say they shop Black Friday to "have fun" and 39 percent say it’s a tradition with loved ones.

Seventy percent of Twitter users say they wait in Black Friday lines at stores compared to 61 percent of all Black Friday shoppers.

Eighty percent of Twitter users indicated that they want to save money on Cyber Monday but they also value the ease and convenience of shopping online. The survey revealed that 57 percent of Twitter users appreciate avoiding the crowds and not leaving the comfort of the house or office on Cyber Monday.

Thirty eight percent of Twitter users get online at midnight on #CyberMonday while thirtyfour percent shop between midnight and 6 am to access popular products and special promotions.

Smartphones are a critical tool in Twitter users shopping arsenal. Eighty-seven percent of of Twitter users say they will rely on their smartphones during Black Friday. That is 21 points more than non-twitter users (66 percent). The phones of Twitter users continue to be used as a mobile strategy device. Twenty-two percent of Twitter users continue to check their phones while in line on Black Friday and fifty-four percent stay in touch with family and friends who are shopping, fifty-seven percent. Fifty-seven percent use their phones to find out about different sales and forty-nine percent check prices. Forty one percent use their phones to make purchases while only 22 percent of non-twitter users do so.

Twitter users spend more than other shoppers on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Only a third of Twitter users strictly stick to their shopping lists on both days. Twitter users spend 19 percent more than the average Black Friday shopper and 14 percent more than Cyber Monday shoppers. For people who shop on both days the The average spend for Twitter users was $700 more than non-Twitter users.

The top items purchased online are electronics and clothes. They visit an average of 4.6 stores on Black Friday. They also share what they score on Twitter: 18 percent tweet photos of purchases and 23 percent tweet about great deals they got.

For real time insight into the marketing and purchasing mayhem on Twitter follow the hashtags #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday

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A Green Christmas and a Sustainable State of Mind

December 23, 2013 Add Comment Edit

The holiday season is here and many of us are making more responsible choices, however, while personal actions are critical, this time of year is also a wonderful opportunity to green our consciousnesses. While we all must strive to reduce our energy consumption and eliminate the waste we produce, there is a psychological dimension to environmental stewardship that may not be so obvious.

People who are interested in being more environmentally and socially responsible do a host of things at Christmas time and throughout the year.

Decorations

When it comes to decorations, they use natural materials like organic cotton and sustainable wood. They avoid plastic containing PVC and toxic chemicals like phthalates, as well as decorations that contain lead and mercury.

Gift Wrapping

They are recycling their wrapping paper or using newspapers, old tin boxes, cloth, and brown paper. Their gifts are tied with string or wire instead of disposable ribbon. They use natural adornments for gifts like evergreen branches, pine cones and cinnamon sticks. Perhaps they even give gifts that do not require wrapping paper at all.

Cards

They are giving out electronic cards instead of paper cards or if they do give paper cards they make sure it is 100 percent recycled.

Lights

They are using lead-free low energy LED lights that conform to RoHS standards and they put them on a timer so that they are not on any longer than they have to be. They are not trying to win awards for lighting displays that consume enough energy to power a small village.

Christmas Trees

They are responsibly sourcing their Christmas tree. If they use a fake tree it is made from polyethylene (PE) plastic. If they are buying a real tree it is a living tree that can be transplanted outside or it is responsibly farmed and when they are done with it they are using it for mulch rather than throwing it into a landfill.

Candles

They avoid candles that have synthetic fragrances and petroleum-based products, which emit toluene, benzene and alkenes. They use candles that are made with safe alternatives like beeswax and soy.

Gifts

They are looking for more responsible gift options. When giving electronics they make sure it is from environmentally concerned companies with a take-back program. They avoid toxic toys, and they try to choose those that are made from natural sources like sustainable wood and organic cotton. They buy responsibly produced non-toxic clothing and they avoid toxic personal care products.

Food

They are choosing healthy antibiotic free organic foods, like humanely farmed, organic chicken and turkey and they are minimizing waste by never making more than they will consume. They may even buy from responsible independent poultry farmers.

While it is entirely laudable that we should be mindful of our choices when it comes to decorations, gift wrapping, cards, lights, Christmas trees, candles, gifts and food, we should also be acutely aware of how our state of mind contributes to or detracts from the world we are trying to create.

In addition to all we do, Christmas is a great time to engender hope for the future. People do not respond to negativity and only a positive attitude can induce the changes we need to see. We must replace well warranted pessimism with the faithful belief that we can change our current environmentally destructive trajectory.

Christmas is also good time to ask ourselves how we foster family traditions that communicate the value of the natural world to our loved ones and especially to the children in our lives. An important part of this involves cultivating a deep and abiding gratitude for nature.

The best part of the holidays comes from being with family and close friends. The love that we feel for those that we care about should be the guiding force informing our attitude, not just at Christmas but throughout the year.

We must inhabit the change we seek, not only through our actions, but in our thinking and in our efforts to share the notion of environmental stewardship with others. We need to acknowledge and communicate the fact that this planet is not ours to abuse, we merely borrow it from future generations.

May we renew our commitment to act with the planet in mind this Christmas, but let us also strive for a sustainable state of mind that informs our actions all throughout the year.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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December 21, 2013 Add Comment Edit

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December 21, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Electronic Receipts are Convenient and Save Trees

December 13, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Instead of printing out a paper receipt, many stores you now give you the option of sending your receipt by email instead. This is both convenient for consumers and it saves a precious resource. Around ten million trees are cut down each year to make receipts in the US. Trees both provide oxygen and sequester CO2.

In addition to being better for the environment it also is a great way to organize your records. They can be kept in a separate folder for future reference. This is ideal in the event that you need to return an item or for filing tax returns.

Apple was one of the first stores to provide this option in 2005. Then other retailers started offering this service including Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Patagonia, Sears, Kmart and Whole Foods Market.

New retail payment technology has leveled the playing field and enabled smaller retailers to get in on the act. Now stores of all sizes are able to provide e-receipts.

In addition to being convenient for consumers, there is also value for retailers as these e-receipts can also be a valuable new communications and marketing channel.

E-receipts are sure to follow the popularity online statements and bills from utilities, banks, credit card issuers and other service providers.

The trend towards e-receipts will only increase as more transactions take place virtually with the help of cell phone wallet technology, a phenomenon that is already very popular in places like Japan.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Green Market Oracle's Gift Guide: A Summary of More Responsible Gifts

December 13, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Are you someone with a green conscience looking for a last minute gift idea? Look no further than the Green Market Oracle's summary of green gift ideas that are sure to please everyone on your holiday list. These gifts are not only more environmentally responsible they also communicate something about your own ecological attitudes.

Here is a quick review of 18 gift recommendations as well as a dozen catalogs each full of green gift ideas.

1. Green Gifts that Help Animals and the Planet

Some of the best gifts we can give take the form of donations that help to protect animals and their habitats. Two of the most prominent organizations are the NRDC and the WWF. The NRDC and WWF are two of nature's leading champions. By donating to the NRDC or the WWF you can help them protect the natural world. Two other organizations that have been included in this list of animal conservation organizations are Orangutan Outreach and the Born Free Foundation. Here is a summary of some of the most earth-friendly gifts on the planet:

NRDC

Revive a Rainforest: Plant a tree in Costa Rica, $15.00

Ocean Protector: Revive our oceans, $25.00

Butterfly Beauty: Create a monarch sanctuary, $25.00

Den Defender: Protect polar bears and their cubs, $35.00

Leader of the Pack: Adopt a wolf in Yellowstone, $25.00

Cozy Cats: Protect North America's big cats, $50.00

All gifts are tax-deductible and every NRDC Green Gift comes with a beautiful print or e-card that will be sent to the person receiving the gift. You can write a personal message and choose exactly when it is sent. Each Green Gift provides much-needed funds that allow NRDC to protect our environment, wildlife, and wildlands. For more information click here.

WWF

Panda: Give a Panda Room to Grow $100.00

Tiger: Give a Tiger a Fighting Chance $100.00

Polar Bear: Help a Polar Bear Keep Cool $100.00

Walrus: Help a Walrus Keep Its Toothy Smile $75.00

When you symbolically adopt a species at risk, you’re giving an extraordinary gift while supporting WWF’s conservation efforts. All WWF gifts come with a tax receipt. For more information click here.

Orangutan Outreach

Adopt an orangutan and help save these creatures and their habitat. For more information click here.

Born Free Foundation

Born Free helps hundreds of thousands of animals worldwide including lions, elephants, gorillas, tigers, wolves, bears, dolphins and many others. For more information click here.

2. Greeen Gifts for Kids

This section of the Green Market Oracle's Green Gift Guide is intended for for kids and parents who prefer greener play products. Here are a number of gift ideas that are both fun and eco-friendly:

KidsCraft Playhouses: An amazing gift idea that fosters creativity with well-designed, eco-friendly, and durable cardboard structures. No need for tape or glue to build these structure. Two options, The Shuttle Imagination, $69.95, and The Creation Cottage, $59.95, both of which are made from 100 percent recycled materials that are made here in the US. KidsCraft, a new and rising company, believes strongly in providing families with environmentally-friendly products. Additionally, the Atlanta based business contributes to charitable organizations and values the significance of sustainability. Their dedicated responsibility led them to partner with Trees for the Future Foundation, a program that plants one tree for every KidsCraft product sold. For more information about the playhouses, and other KidsCraft products, click here.

The Magic School Bus Solar Energy to the Rescue: This award winning educational eco-friendly activity kit is made by The Young Scientists Club and it teaches young children about the incredible power of solar energy. With the help of the Magic School Bus driver, Ms. Frizzle, kits can learn how to collect real carbon dioxide, recreate global warming in a bottle, and use a solar panel to spin a fan, among the kit’s many activities. At just $19.99, this green children’s kit, is both enlightening and affordable. With simple and well written directions, the Magic School Bus Solar Energy to the Rescue kit is also easy enough for older children to comprehend and use while on their own. The Young Scientist Club was started by a mother of five, who as a Harvard trained biologist, wanted to expose her own children and others to the incredible world of science. For more information about the science kits or about other products made by The Young Scientist Club, click here.

Haba’s Arranging Game, Corner to Corner: This Eco-friendly toy was developed for little ones three and older. It is comprised of a set of small wooden tiles help to provide endless opportunities for your child to create a variety of fun and exciting patterns. The 62 colorful pieces included, help to spark creativity and imagination growth. Haba toys and games are now available in more than 1,000 stores across the United States. Arranging Game, Corner to Corner retails for $36. For further information about Haba’s green toys and other products, click here.

3. Ethical and Sustainable Candles

Here is a collection of 3 ethically made, sustainable pillar candles (Vetiver, Lavender and Bergamot). These candles are made with renewable, biodegradable materials, natural vegetable wax, cotton wick and 100 percent pure essential oils extracted without chemicals or pesticides. The company behind the candles is LITE+CYCLE, they seek to blend form, function, utility, beauty and responsibility. They approache everything with a sense of purpose, sustainability and ethics while never compromising on design and quality. The idea is a conscious, and aesthetic approach to living, and the things that add comfort to our lives.

Bergamot: Citrus bergamia An effervescent citrus providing! an uplifting and enlivening aroma to brighten any atmosphere.! Cultivated in Italy without pesticides or chemical fertilizers our bergamot oil!is cold-pressed for aromatherapy that is safe for you and the earth. LITE+CYCLE -

Lavender: Lavandula officinalis + Lavandula angustifolia A balanced lavender providing a tranquil and clarifying aroma to enable calm and complete peace.!Cultivated in France without pesticides or chemical fertilizers our lavender oils!are steam distilled for aromatherapy that is safe for you and the earth.

Vetiver: Vetiveria zizanoides A deep and warm earth aroma to root and ground the mind encouraging harmony. Cultivated in Haiti without pesticides or chemical fertilizers our vetiver oil is steam distilled for aromatherapy that is safe for you and the earth.

LITE+CYCLE Pillar Candles are available in two sizes that burn for 40 hrs ($36) and 85 hrs ($68). For more information click here.

4. Green Gift Catalogs

This section of the Green Market Oracle's guide contains a number of catalogs each with a wide assortment of greener gifts. Check out each one of these twelve catalogs chock-full of eco-focused products and services.

Ethiquette: A database of over 600 responsible products and services. For more information click here.

Grassroots Environmental Products: This site offers a wide array of green products. For more information click here.

Green America's Holiday Green Gift Guide: Features great deals on green products. For more information click here.

GreenDeals: Green products and services. For more information click here.

GreenPages: The nation's leading directory of green products and services, featuring thousands of businesses nationwide. For more information click here.

Inhabitat: The well known green living site also has a green gift catalogue. For more information click here.

NRDC: An extensive catalog of holiday gifts. For more information click here.

Save Green Money: A wide assortment of Green Gifts. For more information click here.

Shop Organic: Eco Friendly Gifts that are organic, green and natural For more information click here.

The Daily Green: Another green site that has compiled a list of more than 100 green gift ideas for the home and garden, for women, men and kids, and special selections of radical recycled materials, volunteer opportunities, charity giving etc. For more information click here.

TreeHugger: This well known site also offers a green gift guide. For more information click here.

WWF: The World Wildlife Fund has a wide variety of colourful, high quality toys and games are a fun way for kids to learn about nature and animals – and a great tool for teaching about the importance of conservation. For more information click here.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Event - Halton Halton Environmental Network (HEN) Holiday Social & Enviro Guide Release

December 08, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Halton Environmental Network (HEN) Holiday Social and 2014 Enviro Guide Release will take place on Thursday December 12, 2013, at Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre in Oakville Ontario. The gathering will start at 5 pm in the multi-purpose room, C-094, near the front entrance. It's also the launch of HEN's 10th anniversary year! They will be sharing some holiday enviro tips and doing a re-gift exchange! Bring a new unwanted gift you've received, leave it on our table, and take one you want. (Participation is optional.) They will donate any leftover gifts to a local charity. If you haven't seen their new office yet, they will be happy to take you on a tour. All are welcome. Light refreshments provided.

The Halton Environmental Network (HEN) is an incorporated non-profit organization operating in the Region of Halton (Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville). HEN's members are 45 non-profit environmental groups operating in Halton. HEN shares information and resources with member groups, other non-profit organizations, businesses, governments, and the public.

For more information go to their website or

Contact Name: Lisa Seiler
Phone: 905-815-6185
E-mail: info@haltonenvironment.ca

For directions and to RSVP click here.

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Green Tuesday: The Best of Thanksgiving Consumerism Strives to be Both Sustainable and Profitable

December 03, 2013 Add Comment Edit

In 2011 Green America launched Green Tuesday to promote sustainable products and services during the period of rampant holiday consumerism. Green Tuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday after the Thanksgiving weekend, it is designed to inspire consumers to make "thoughtful, purposeful, eco-minded choices." Green Tuesday has a lot of competition from other sustainability initiatives including those associated with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. The day is also being claimed by another event called "Giving Tuesday," which encourages Americans to donate to charity.

Green Tuesday is vying for a slice of the $5 trillion annual US retail market. According to the National Retail Federation about $600 billion of that consumer spending will occur between Thanksgiving and the end of the year.

Despite the competition from other consumer days, Green Tuesday is gaining ground. Since its launch in 2011 Green America's GreenDeals.org has acquired hundreds of thousands of green members and it has featured hundreds of deals from green businesses.

“Green Deals makes it possible to give great gifts for the holidays, while also giving back to the planet. Many consumers who are turned off by shopping at big-box stores during the holiday season will welcome this opportunity to participate in a way that is in line with their values, and save money at the same time,” says Green America Corporate Responsibility Director, Todd Larsen.

While helping to reduce the impact on the planet is laudable it is also salable. When it launched Green Tuesday in 2011, Green America published some research which supports the profit making potential of green focused consumer goods and services:

80% of consumers are likely to switch brands, similar in price and quality, to one that supports a cause. (See Cone 2010 Cause Evolution Study)
54% of shoppers say they consider elements of sustainability, such as sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, product use and disposal, as they select products and stores. (GMA/Deloitte Green Shopper Study, 2009)
In 2009, 47% of consumers said they bought products from a socially or environmentally responsible company. Going into 2010, 76% of all consumers said they expected to purchase more from environmentally responsible companies. (Tiller, 2009)
92% of mothers want to buy a product supporting a cause. They are also more likely to switch brands and have purchased more cause-related products in the past year than any other demographic. (Cone 2010 Cause Evolution Study)
88% of women say they like brands that “allow me to do something good.” (“Women, Power & Money: The Shift to the Female-Driven Economy,” Fleishman-Hillard/Harrison Group, 2010)
76% of Millennials want brands to be ecologically conscious. (Generate Insight, 2009).

Green Tuesday is an important day to raise awareness about more responsible consumerism. The growth of green consumers is a necessary part of addressing the environmental crisis we face and changing our current trajectory.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Video - Small Business Saturday Contributes to Sustainability

November 30, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Small Business Saturday has been around for three years and in that time people are increasingly seeing the value of shopping at mom and pops instead of the big boxes. As explained in a Treehugger article,

"[T]he best tool for greening our lives is Urbanity- building communities that you can get around in without a car. Where you can get what you need within walking or biking distance. That's where small businesses come in to play. They are local, they support the community, and they make our main streets come alive."

As explained in a West Michigan study:

"When West Michigan consumers choose a locally owned business over a non-local alternative, $73 of every $100 spent stays in the community. By contrast, only $43 of every $100 spent at a non-locally owned business remains in the community. There are so many reasons for that; the buildings are often locally owned instead of by some distant big developer; the real estate and sales taxes stay in the community; the wages paid to staff are often higher; the staff are local too and spend their money in the community."

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Waste is an Unfortunate Thanksgiving Tradition

November 29, 2013 1 Comment Edit

The holiday season represents a high point for retailers and a low point for the environment. There are two major things we can do to help minimize our impacts. The first is to be more mindful of purchasing behaviors and second is to do a better job of managing our waste. Waste is one of the biggest problems associated with the holidays. Waste is highly detrimental to the environment and according to the EPA, 32 million tons of plastic waste are generated yearly, 14 million tons of which are used in packaging. During the period from Thanksgiving to the New Year, Americans generate 25 percent more waste than average. This includes

• 125,000 tons of plastic packaging
• 744 million holiday cards
• 8,000 tons of wrapping paper (which according to Treehugger is the equivalent of 50,000 trees).

The Thanksgiving feast is a notorious celebration of gluttony. Apart from the fact that this contributes to the epidemic of obesity in the country it also generates additional waste. During this feast.46 million turkeys will be consumed (20 percent of the yearly total) and the average American will consume 4,500 calories. Sadly much of the food consumed during this period will end up rotting in landfills.

A total of five million tons of food will be wasted between Thanksgiving and the end of 2013. Worldwide, some 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted annually, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. In the US, 33 percent of food is thrown away as a result of over-buying and misinterpretation of expiration and sell-by dates. In the developing world, an equal amount of food is lost because of poor infrastructure, pests, and disease.

The amount of food wasted in the U.S. each year totals some US$165 billion—and more than US$40 billion of that waste comes from households, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Recently, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon issued the Zero Hunger Challenge, aimed to reduce all food loss and waste. Moon called for nations to correct the inequity of food waste in a world plagued by hunger. "By reducing food waste, we can save money and resources, minimize environmental impacts and, most importantly, move towards a world where everyone has enough to eat,” he urged. Making enough food rather than too much food is a good place to start.

When it comes to giving gifts, an experience rather than a thing is almost always waste free. When you do receive material gifts make sure you recycle, this especially applies to plastic items which do not properly biodegrade. Wrapping paper and gift bags can either be recycled or reused.

The best way to reduce waste is not to make it in the first place, this includes little or no packaging and wrapping. The next best way is through responsible waste disposal which is primarily about recycling and re purposing.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Black Friday Purchasing Behaviors: Shopping Locally and Learning from the Great Recession of 2008

November 29, 2013 Add Comment Edit

What can the environmentally conscious consumer do to be a more responsible shopper? One obvious thing we can do to help offset environmental impacts is to buy local. We may also benefit from reflecting on the implications of the economic meltdown of 2008. Black Friday is a fascinating conflagration of consumerism kicking off a spending frenzy worth more than $59 billion in 2012, which was up from $52.5 billion in 2011. To capitalize on this orgy of consumerism, retail outlets are opening earlier every year. This year many big box stores opened their doors on the Thursday prior to Black Friday. Just five years after the start of the Great Recession, consumers are battling each other in retail outlets to save a few dollars. This may be a good time of year to remember what happened in 2008 and why.

Shopping locally reduces the distances traveled by consumers and locally owned businesses tend to make more local purchases, requiring less commercial transportation. Shopping in town centers translates to less urban sprawl, habitat loss and pollution.

In addition to supporting the retail establishments closest to us, we can also learn an important lesson from the Great Recession of 2008.

Deregulation allowed for rampant greed in financial markets. This led to the development of a number of highly sophisticated financial offerings including collateralized debt obligations or CDOs. These instruments packaged oversold mortgage debt to give the impression of a good investment. Many institutions did make money at first, but it was a bubble that was destined to burst. When it did collapse it brought down the global economy with it.

Short sighted consumerism is in some respects analogous to the events that led to the Great Recession. Responsible purchasing is like responsible investing. Our purchases can be reviewed in the same way that assess any investment. A good purchase, like a good investment involves understanding the associated impacts, both short and long term.

Before you make a purchase consider the implications for the environment, for the people and for society.

We are seeing record stock valuations, improving employment numbers and better housing statistics. However, we should not be blinded by an improving economic picture. When making purchases, just like making sound investments we would be wise to consider products and services that are good for the triple bottom line of people, planet and profits.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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How to Green Your Black Friday Shopping

November 29, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Black Friday is a consumer spectacle that is rife with excess and waste. However, there are some easy ways that we can reduce our environmental impacts. Here are five simple tips from FatWallet that can help to make your black Friday more green.

1. Recycled Products: Try to find products that that are made from recycled or biodegradable materials. For example, several book publishers now only print books made from recycled paper.

2. Energy Efficient Electronics: When buying appliances and electronic devices, check for items that are rechargeable or energy-efficient. Look for the Energy Star logo.

3. Minimal Packaging: Look for products that use minimal packaging.

4. Green Credit Cards: Use a green credit cards where a portion of each transaction that a customer makes goes towards support for green charities or causes.

5. Reusable Bags: Pack all of the new purchases into reusable shopping bags instead of plastic bags.

12 Additional links for the greener consumer

Green Shopping Pointers — Shop on Black Friday with these green tips.

Green Holiday Shopping — Helpful tips to avoid unnecessary wastage and pollution.
Green Buying Tips — Common products and their eco-friendly alternatives.

Buying Gifts (PDF) — Helpful advice on shopping for eco-friendly gifts.

Think Before Buying — Examine products and ask the right questions.

Reusable Items — Seek reusable items with a long lifespan for waste reduction.

Black Friday Energy Tips — Energy-saving devices.

Waste-Wise Shopping — Items made from recycled materials.
Shopping Green — Try shopping online or taking public transit to cut down on gas emissions.

Make it a Green Friday — Buying local or cutting down on driving.

Advance Planning — Planning your purchases in advance makes for efficient shopping.
Green Tuesday — An environmentally friendly shopping alternative.

Infographic - Thanksgiving: Staying Within 100 Miles and Other Tips from Sustainable America

November 28, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Earth Day Poll: Environment is Important

April 23, 2012 Add Comment Edit

According to an Earth Day SodaHead.com poll, 85 percent of respondents said being “eco-friendly” is very important or moderately important. SodaHead.com is the web’s largest opinion-based community; in this survey they polled their users on the state of the environment, recycling, organics and hybrid cars.

Only 14 percent of respondents think the planet is improving and 86 percent feel the planet has gotten worse or stayed the same.

Recycling

When it comes to recycling, 62 percent feel that it should be mandatory. In addition, only 7 percent of the public does not recycle, while 38 percent recycle “all the time” and 37 percent recycle “when possible.” Most respondents (59 percent) stated that they are not more likely to buy a product just because it is packaged in recycled materials.

Organics

The public is split when it comes to organic products, as 51 percent feel organic products are better while 49 percent are either not sure or feel organic products are not better. Younger respondents were willing to pay more for organic products than their older counterparts. 53 percent of those between18-24 years of age would pay more to go organic, while only 27 percent of those over 65 would pay extra.

Hybrid Cars

If price wasn’t an issue, 72 percent of respondents would switch to a hybrid vehicle or an electric powered car (38 percent for hybrid, 34 percent for electric), while only 28 percent would stick with a gas powered vehicle.

For the full poll results click here.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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10 Energy Efficient Electronics for College Students

October 02, 2011 Add Comment Edit

For manufacturers and retailers there is a lot of money at stake and they are catering to college students and other consumers who want more efficient electronics. Consumers are now expecting energy efficiency and this is particularly true of the new wave of environmentally aware college students.

In an August 4th, 2011, USA Today article, Rachel Roubein reviewed the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, originally funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and run by the Green Electronics Council. This tool helps consumers find green-friendly electronics like notebooks, laptops and desktops.

Click here to go to the EPEAT website which reviews over 2,700 registered products from 40 manufacturers.

College students are amongst those who are using the tool to find more than 60 types of home and office products with the energy-efficient Energy Star label. Energy Star electronics significantly reduce power usage. For example, the choice of the right laptop can decrease energy consumption about 30% to 65%.

College students can save money on energy bills, but more importantly they are making important lifestyle choices that they will bring with them for the rest of their lives.

Here are ten examples of energy efficient electronics:

•TV: Earning the Energy Star title as this year's most-efficient television is the 15-inch Insignia (model NS-15E720A12). It costs $129 and can be purchased at Best Buy. To boost its energy-friendly factor, the TV contains LED back-lighting — making it 40% more energy-efficient than TVs that don't.

•Computers: Apple, Hewlett-Packard and Dell sell a slew of Energy Star-rated, EPEAT-listed items. Among those, Apple updated its $999 MacBook Air, featuring a long battery life: It can last up to 30 days in standby mode. All Apple products are Energy Star-certified. On average, HP products are 50% more energy-efficient than they were six years ago, according to Kerry Smith, HP's education markets manager. The Energy Star-certified, EPEAT-registered HP Pavilion model dm4, priced at $579.99, is just one such example. With a battery life of up to five hours when in use, the $549.99 Dell Inspiron model 14R also is one of many that has garnered the Energy Star label.

•Microwaves. The iWavecube is a 12-pound, 12-inch-tall portable microwave that costs $99.99 and uses less power than larger models.

•Printers: Made from 35% recycled plastic, the HP Deskjet model 3050 all-in-one printer is environmentally friendly down to its core. When the $79.99 machine is in sleep mode, it uses the same amount of energy as a clock radio.

•Lamps: Energy Star-rated light bulbs, starting at $2.99 at Target. GE's Instant On Compact Fluorescent ($9.79 ) uses 75% to 78% less energy than a standard bulb.

•Home theater equipment: Energy Star-certified DVD players or Blu-ray players from a variety of makers — such as Samsung and Toshiba — which use up to 60% less energy than conventional models. One example is the Dynex Blu-ray player available at Best Buy for $109.99.

•Chargers: The $99 iGo Green laptop wall charger uses 85% less power. It can also charge iPods, phones, MP3 players and Bluetooth headsets.

•Gaming Tablets: Big Fish Games' PlayWrite is the thinnest, lightest, and most energy efficient tablet device available today. It is made for gamers.

•Mobile(Smart)Phones: The Motorolla Defy is amongst the most energy efficient.

•Flashlights: The Fenix LD 20 LED flashlight is small, lightweight, ultra powerful, and has multiple brightness modes.

Future innovations can be expected that will make electronics even more efficient. For example, Intel recently announced a line of more power-efficient microprocessors for smart phones and tablets that could make these devices 44 percent more efficient.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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The Rise of the Green Consumer

April 21, 2011 Add Comment Edit

Increasing numbers of consumers are considering green factors in their purchase decisions. According to Forrester Research, 41 percent of the U.S. population are either interested in or are already purchasing from green companies or they are choosing green products and services. The Natural Marketing Institute reports that 63 million adults in the United States are considered lifestyles Of health and sustainability (LOHAS)consumers.

LOHAS consumers spend more than $230 billion dollars per year and are much more likely to purchase from a company that shares their green values.

An extensive survey of 1,254 international executives by the Economist Intelligence Unit on corporate responsibility showed that do-gooder companies [companies that implement strong green programs] … saw profits rise 16% last year [2007] and enjoyed price growth of 45%.” Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this study was that “companies that rated their own sustainability [green] practices poorly registered only 7% profit growth and 12% price growth.

Although current research on consumer attitudes towards green is murky, taken as a whole the trend in this data offers compelling reasons for businesses to adopt green programs and communicate green efforts to customers.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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US Consumer Attitudes on Green

April 20, 2011 1 Comment Edit

The most significant obstacle to the growth of the green economy involves consumer ignorance. Consumer attitudes on the green market need to be understood in the context of consumer segments. Exaggerated reporting also confounds an accurate portrayal of consumer attitudes on green.

In a recent GreenBiz article, Joel Makower provided his annual review of surveys, polls, and analyses related to the green market. His review of the research suggests that a lack of understanding about climate change is adversely impacting US consumer attitudes toward green business and green shopping.

Despite the plethora of consciousness raising events, the American public is confused about climate change. A report by the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication found that while 63 percent of Americans believe that global warming is happening, “many do not understand why.” This study echoed other research that indicates many Americans do not understand the issues surrounding climate change.

Americans have growing misconceptions about their actions. The Shelton Group, found that “more Americans than in previous years 1) think that they’re doing more than they really are, 2) think that they’re doing all that they can, or 3) think that they’ve done enough already. All three of these perceptions are troubling because they increase resistance to taking on the more substantial home improvements that truly reduce energy consumption.”

Research by the polling firm Harris Interactive found a one-year drop in the number of Americans who say they are “going green.” American adults, “are now less likely to engage in various green behaviors in their daily life,” says Harris, including purchasing locally grown produce, locally manufactured products, and organic products; using less water; and composting food and organic waste.

American consumers are unimpressed, according to the Cone Shared Responsibility Study, 75 percent of American companies get a grade of ”C” or worse when it comes to how well they are engaging consumers around critical social and environmental issues.

On a brighter note, the public’s awareness of sustainability is growing. According to the Hartman Group, 15 percent more consumers are now aware of the term “sustainability” compared to three years ago (69 percent in 2010 vs. 54 percent in 2007). However, with only 21 percent of consumers able to identify a sustainable product and only 12 percent able to name a sustainable company, consumers still do not understand what is meant by sustainability in the marketplace.

While companies are becoming more sustainable, they are not effectively communicating their sustainability efforts to consumers. According to the Sense & Sustainability study by the public relations firm Gibbs & Soell, 29 percent of executives believe that a majority of businesses are committed to “going green,” compared to only 16 percent of consumers.

When considering consumers’ attitudes towards green, it is important to acknowledge that different market segments are going green at different rates. According to the advertising insight firm Crowd Science, men over 55 are almost twice as likely to hold the opinion that shopping for green products makes no difference. Conversely, Harris Interactive research found that lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT) adults are increasing their personal commitment to environmental issues faster than their heterosexual counterparts. A majority (55 percent) of LGBT adults say they “personally care a great deal about the current state and future of the environment,” compared to just 33 percent of heterosexual American adults.

Although there are risks, there are also tremendous opportunities for companies who are ready to honestly and clearly engage customers through new media. Consumers want to contribute, but the perception is that the companies do not want to listen. According to Cone, 84 percent of Americans believe their ideas can help companies create products and services. But only 53 percent of consumers feel companies are encouraging them to speak up on corporate social and environmental practices and products. Cone found that 92 percent of consumers say they want companies to tell them what they’re doing to improve their products, services and operations. But 87 percent believe that companies share the positive information about their efforts, but withhold the negative. Many consumers (67 percent) say they are confused by the messages companies use to talk about their social and environmental commitments.

Research by the Natural Marketing Institute, found that four out of five of the consumer segmentations it tracks are “much more involved in the sustainability marketplace and lifestyle than they used to be,” as NMI’s Gwynne Rogers told Makower earlier this year, only one segment, the “Unconcerneds,” representing 17 percent of the marketplace, are holdouts.

When parsing data derived from surveys, it is important to understand that consumers profess a higher level of interest in environmental shopping and living than they actually demonstrate in their actions. For example, at the beginning of 2011, a survey by Opinion Research for the paper company Marcal revealed that 80 percent of Americans planned to be greener in 2011, but as noted by Makower, consumers are more exuberant about green shopping in word then they are in deed. NMI’s research recently led one green marketing author to say that “83 percent of consumers … are some shade of green.” But once again these numbers are a function of exaggerated statements made by consumers that do not match their actual buying behaviour.

More realistic figures come from reports like Brand Sustainable Futures, by Havas Media and MPG. They found that while sustainability remains a key issue for consumers worldwide, only 5 percent of US consumers always consider environmental/social aspects when making purchase decisions. Their research reveals that American consumers are deterred by confusion, lack of clarity and perceived higher prices.

The recession has had an impact on the priorities of Americans. Gallup found the widest margin in nearly 30 years in Americans prioritizing economic growth (54 percent) over environmental protection (36 percent). “Americans for the most part have given the environment higher priority since Gallup first asked this question in 1984.”

A BBMG report on The New Consumer — defined as that portion of the US adult population that are “values-aspirational, practical purchasers who are constantly looking to align their actions with their ideals; yet tight budgets and time constraints require them to make practical trade-offs every day.” BBMG estimates about a third of Americans fall into this category, but only one in three “strongly agrees that it’s important to purchase products with social and environmental benefits, even in a tough economy.” According to these numbers, only about 10 percent of the population consistently make green buying decisions. That seems a more realistic appraisal of who’s really committed to green shopping and lifestyles.

According to BBMG, the New Consumer represents US demographics but skews younger, female, and educated. BBMG research indicates that New Consumers are looking for brands that deliver “total value” — products that work well, last longer, cost less and, hopefully, do some good. They want brands that deliver the “triple value proposition” — uniting practical benefits (e.g., cost savings, durability and style), social and environmental benefits (e.g., local, fair trade and biodegradable), and tribal benefits (e.g., connecting them to a community of people who share their values and aspirations).

Americans need to be informed about the basics regarding climate change and consumers’ interest in green comes down to the value proposition (energy savings, health) and acceptable tradeoffs (higher prices, inconvenience).

Source: Global Warming is Real

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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