Green in '09
From the perspective of a green building expert, 2008 definitely was the year of green credibility. The ‘wild west’ era of the green building movement came to a halt as manufacturers found it hard to garner sales just because they called their products green. Consumers and professionals alike began to show signs of green fatigue. Using words like green, eco, environmental, etc., in marketing no longer meant a swarm of ‘greenies’ to the stores. Contrarily, consumers started asking follow-up questions to make sure they were not being greenwashed and to verify the information was accurate.
So what is 2009 shaping up to be? Besides the fact that every major economic indicator states that we are in dire straits, the green movement continues to gain momentum. But here is how the focus will shift. No longer do the ‘greenies’ and ‘light-greenies’ have disposable income to put into green things to make themselves feel good. No longer will they spend 10% more for a household item that may or may not affect the earth’s climate. 2009 will be the year of RGI…Return on Green Investment. If consumers are going to spend 10% more for an eco-friendly household product, there must be a clear sign that the extra 10% will be paid back via an energy savings, or an improvement in their quality of life. Its that simple.
Spending thousands of extra dollars for a hybrid automobile may not pay itself back before its useful life is up. Using that same amount of money to install a Velux solar hot water heating system in your home can pay for itself in just a few years. That’s a good RGI. So is using green home products like toxin-free paint. While every paint manufacturer in the world seems to be making a zero voc product, only AFM Safecoat produces products that are safe for those with chemical sensitivity. Better for the environment and better for you and your family.
2009 will be a tough year for consumers, but ultimately will prove to be pivotal for our industry. Make sure that your store is focusing on products and systems that maximize your customers RGI. Contact Degree of Green, LLC to take the first step.
So what is 2009 shaping up to be? Besides the fact that every major economic indicator states that we are in dire straits, the green movement continues to gain momentum. But here is how the focus will shift. No longer do the ‘greenies’ and ‘light-greenies’ have disposable income to put into green things to make themselves feel good. No longer will they spend 10% more for a household item that may or may not affect the earth’s climate. 2009 will be the year of RGI…Return on Green Investment. If consumers are going to spend 10% more for an eco-friendly household product, there must be a clear sign that the extra 10% will be paid back via an energy savings, or an improvement in their quality of life. Its that simple.
Spending thousands of extra dollars for a hybrid automobile may not pay itself back before its useful life is up. Using that same amount of money to install a Velux solar hot water heating system in your home can pay for itself in just a few years. That’s a good RGI. So is using green home products like toxin-free paint. While every paint manufacturer in the world seems to be making a zero voc product, only AFM Safecoat produces products that are safe for those with chemical sensitivity. Better for the environment and better for you and your family.
2009 will be a tough year for consumers, but ultimately will prove to be pivotal for our industry. Make sure that your store is focusing on products and systems that maximize your customers RGI. Contact Degree of Green, LLC to take the first step.
Comment
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Comment by Andrew Pace on February 16, 2009 at 8:46am - Unfortunately I could not be there. I heard that it was well attended, though.
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Comment by Suzanne on February 16, 2009 at 8:17am - Welcome to TheSRO Andrew, and for posting a blog right away! Did you happen to attend the Green Manufaturing Summit at the Audobon Center last week?
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