Despite all the economic woes we are having- I still have friends who are remodeling or considering remodeling including changing their decor. What strikes me the most- is they are not even considering little things in their remodeling that will save them money and add more value to their home. As an example, I have a friend who just bought a new leather sofa and chair and yet complains about how long it takes to get hot water.
Here’s a synopsis from Jetsongreen; I have added my comments and a few more. please go to his site to get his lowdown.
1.) Non-Green Will Not Survive:
- With the growth and public awareness of ‘Green’ buildings and products- the consumer will be looking more and more for non-toxic options. More and more buildings will have LEED certification, Brick and Mortar Organic and Eco Friendly Stores will open up.
- “Construction of green homes in the US is on the rise. So far this year, green building has risen to 6 percent compared to 2 percent in 2005, according to a report by McGraw-Hill Construction entitled In “The Green Consumer: Driving Demand for Green in Homes. The increase represents $5 billion in market value. Future projections are that by 2010, 10 percent of the building sector will have adopted ecological principles. That’s a handsome $60 billion worth of real estate.” ( from Triple Pundit)
2.) Change Leadership Will Thrive
- When times get tough, true innovators will survive.
3.) Policy Activity Will Accelerate
- The Green Movement makes jobs and will stimulate the economy- of course the government has to get in the act! They will be involved with green incentives, regulations and programs.- most probably more mismanagement and our taxpayer money.
4.) Everything Will Shift
- With new jobs, this is the time to be learning new skills and taking advantages of opportunities. The day of carrying huge debt is over. Companies will continue to cut costs and become more efficient with human resources and energy.
5.) Efficiency & Energy Comes Into Focus
- If you are remodeling- find ways to save water and energy in your home. This is a to-do list if you are even thinking of selling or renting your home.
6.) Legitimate Impact Labels May Develop
- Greenwashing will become more prevalent- therefore the consumer will become more confused as to what each label means. The government will once again get involved to keep ‘Green Labels’ legitimate. No matter what- Labels will become increasingly more important as the consumer becomes more aware of energy and water efficiency, carbon footprints and toxins in the home and office. If you think it won’t happen, here in California- all new cars will be labeled with a carbon footprint message (starting 2009)
7.) Beware of Green Fatigue and Words
- I already seen it from my friends, they are so sick of the Green and Eco Words. So they tune it out. – But the consumer more likely buy products that have a label they recognize despite being tuned out. Jets on Green call it Green Fatigue,- I call it EFS- Eco Frustration Syndrome
8.) Plastic Bags are Out
- More and more companies will start to charge the consumer for a plastic bag, (I’m hoping all bags) Once plastic bags will start being taxed and charged to the consumer, they might learn to bring their own bag!
9.) Fashion Designers will get into the Act:
- Hollywood and Designer labels will produce more and more ‘eco friendly’ clothing of which celebs will start to wear (for free) and finally maybe the star -struck public will trend toward eco friendly clothing! At least the non-Target shoppers. The reusable bag will become the ‘Hot Ticket” with Birken coming up with their own,’must have, limited edition, $10,000, on backorder, 5,000 people waiting list’ grocery bag. By the end of the Year- the Reusable Bag will come with matching sets.
10.) Local is In
- Growth of Farmers Markets and local food.
11.) Growth of Recycling
- More start ups will be combing Craigslist for free stuff to recycle, reuse and resell.
- More companies will be reselling, recycling E waste, cardboard and paper.
- More cities will innovate recycling programs
Thanks for the tips, will spread the word!
Great post, and I agree with most of the list! 2009 here we come, it will be an awesome year!!!