Is your Organization green enough for the future?
The recent focus on the environment is passed the point of "hype" and is getting into our collective psyche's. The green revolution is here and it will become stronger and stronger. People are more aware of what they are doing for (or against) the environment. We can thank Al Gore for that (and maybe Toyota and the Hollywood celebs).
Business has figured this out and is trying to move fast to react to the demand. Home Depot is one of the retailers leading the way with their Green Products program. Wal-Mart is putting pressure on their vendors to supply environmentally friendly packaging that will not only determine who can sell to the retail giant, but where the products will be displayed in their stores. Both of these retailers realize that being "green" can be financially and ethically rewarding at the same time. Business can have an even greater impact by taking responsibility for their organizations impact on the environment.
I don't believe consumers will choose an inferior product because of more environmentally friendly packaging. However if the products are similar in quality, consumers will be more likely (in the future) to purchase the "green" one if the choice is available.
Governments can help the "green" movement by setting environmental rules and giving incentives for "greener" products. They can also ban some of our bad habits.
Is your organization getting with the times?
Consumers will be choosing "green" and will advertise that choice with great pride. Here's a great story about a little bag making a great deal of noise in the U.K. (and another that just recently launched closer to home). Consumers will want to be associated with organizations that are helping the environment. Consumers will also be quicker to run away from organizations that hurt the environment (I can only imagine the financial boycott to Exxon caused by the Consumer if the Exxon Valdez spill had happened today).
It's not just about using recyclable packaging, it's about being a "green" company in every sense of the word. Organizations that are leaders in recycling, waste diversion, using renewable energy and incenting Employees to be more environmentally conscious will attract Consumers who want to be associated with that behaviour and therefore that brand.
In order to survive in the future, businesses will need to be "green". Consumers will proudly line up to be associated with those organizations and support them with their dollars.
