Last year, one could hardly navigate the internet without running into an article about “green living” or any number of variations on the green theme.  Before the economy started to head south, consumers were beginning to see the necessity of creating a better way of doing things by supporting eco-friendly and sustainable endeavors.  Companies that care were the focal point of many changelings.

Since that point in time, however, much has changed in the economic climate.  Supporting and using green products is becoming increasingly more difficult when money is tight and consumers are beginning to turn back to their old ways.  What can be done to combat this shift in attitude?

In the last few months, we have seen gas prices drop to the lowest level since before the Bush Administration.  While many variables attributed to this much-needed shift, a large part of the credit goes to the American consumer.  When gas was unaffordable, people stopped traveling, only used what they needed, and began moving toward more efficient automobiles.  

The same can be done with sustainable goods.  As a matter of fact, the prices of organic and sustainable goods have dropped because more of these goods are now being produced—a direct correlation to the increasing demand for these kinds of products on the marketplace.

Although the government has helped sponsor certain initiatives to help promote and reward sustainability and decreasing carbon footprints, a more aggressive approach to these goals could certainly help jumpstart our ravaged economy.  Working toward sustainability in various markets and retrofitting various industrial polluters to reduce emissions could create jobs and help focus on the importance of making these changes before it is too late.

Sustainability is at the heart of the issue these days; without the ability to sustain our environment and work toward making things better for the future, how will we continue?  Promoting green methods and offering incentives for making the green shift will do better for our economy, our workforce, and our overall quality of life.  

Our collective mindset on all things green was finally starting to change for the better last year.  We need to continue supporting those who seek to make our world a more sustainable place and work together towards making that goal a reality.

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