Green Products

Ann M Augustine, publisher of GreenMarketProducers.com announced the launch of its pilot project opening up access to entrepreneurs, inventors, marketers, and authors to the Internet publishing platform at www.GreenMarketProducers.com, advocates for a greener world. The site's recently expanded technical functionality enables qualified business and professionals to post biographical profiles, forum topics, and blog posts with moderators’ guidance. 

Eco-friendly, Organic, and Green

Sounds like a song, but what makes product manufacturers eligible to claim products eco-friendly, organic or green? According to a recent survey by Green Seal and EnviroMedia Social Marketing, 21% of consumers say a product‘s reputation is the biggest factor they weigh when making purchasing decisions, but one in three consumers say they don’t know how to tell if green product claims are true.

New economy, jobs, and climate change solutions—just what everyone hopes for, may be giving us something more to grasp onto in this era of uncertainty. 

The work of academia at Duke University and non-profit leader, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) as well as union and trade association sponsorship are showcasing climate change solutions that may be what feeds the government’s economic plan to create 5 million jobs in environmental industries.  

Since its' inception in 1999, First Solar, Inc. has drawn attention to the solar renewable energy sector and continues to demonstrate a bright future, especially now in creating jobs and manufacturing capacity as market demand grows.

In a recent announcement, the Tempe, Arizona based company will open two new manufacturing facilities, one in the U.S. and one in Vietnam that are expected to open in 2012.

Water is in short supply in many parts of the world, including China, India, Australia and parts of the United States. Projected climate change could further stress the shortage of water. One entrepreneur set out to make a difference. Scott Williamson, CEO of Capstone Metering, LLC of Carrollton, Texas, developed an innovative system, the IntelliH₂0™ Water Management System designed to manage and conserve water. And GE's Ecomagination Challenge program recognized this innovative water management solution.

For many people who have not heard the term, closed loop recycling, it is time everyone did. Closed loop recycling is a major advance in recycling that seeks to achieve zero waste by completely reusing, recycling, or composting all materials. 

The manufacturers that are making closed loop recycling happen are the visionaries of our zero waste future. Take for example, the lifecycle of carpeting. Carpet maker and industry icon, Ray Anderson, CEO,  Interface, Inc., has set out to prove our environmental impact is as important as economic impact.  Interface has created closed-loop carpet recycling and has essentially set an example for others to follow. 

Organic cotton has come a long way.  Produced without the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, production runs of organic cotton have grown dramatically, due in large part to fashion demand and its least environmental impact.

Consumer interest in green and organic products for health and environmental reasons is spurring on the organic cotton and home textiles industry--and the industry is responding, in terms of investments and strategic planning to expand product offerings. This spells big business (see Market Report below).