Oftentimes a person’s approach to sustainability is based on priorities. For example, I have a friend that refuses to use disposable paper products or plastic bags but drives a single occupant car to work five days a week. Why? Time is her priority. I have another friend who has more time for commuting so she frequently rides her bike or takes the bus. But since she hates cooking, she usually has some kind of Styrofoam container to throw out after a meal.
Both are making differences in their own way. Additionally, my friend who drives everywhere has a car that averages 33 MPG. She’s looking into a hybrid for her next purchase. And my friend over there on the bus, when she’s offered a biodegradable take out container, she always pays the difference to make the upgrade. When presented with an affordable product that will help them reduce their impact – they take it.
What’s exciting is that because we make choices as consumers, producers are answering with improved products. Along the way, producers are also discovering how they can save money. (www.nytimes.com/2010/06/12/business/energy-environment/12sustain.html) Some are even evaluating enterprise-wide improvements ahead of consumer demands.
Retailers and manufacturers will continue to adapt in order to meet our demands. We just have to make sure that we’re asking for the right things.
If you would like to know more about HONBLUE sustainability efforts please contact me at shines@honbue.com or 441-4452.