Green Options » eco trends

5 Forces Will Drive the Green Economy in 2009

mcmilker — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:27:26 +0000

Andrew Wilson Of Winston Eco-Strategies predicts 5 trends will drive eco business growth in 2009

…many of the critical trends propelling the Green Wave - will grow stronger in 2009, no matter what the economic conditions. Five forces will still drive a fundamental shift in how business operates, even during a recession.

1. Rising commodity prices (in the medium and long run)

2. The drive for transparency

3. Your business customers, greening their supply chains

4. Your consumers, conflicted and searching

5. Your employees, looking for more than a paycheck

These two mega-forces and three stakeholder pressures will not go away. The smart companies will make wise investments in the downturn and prepare for the Green Wave to come back in full force.

I have to agree in the long run and that’s why it will be critical for green businesses to do what all businesses must do in this economic uncertainty – cut costs. While slashing expenses and reducing costs can be relatively easy at first, especially after an age of excess, once the easy cuts are made comes the tough part – People and Planet.

Expanding the Fashion EcoSphere: the eco-fashion compass points North for Vancouver Fashion Week

Gennefer Snowfield — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:36:59 +0000

While eco-fashion is becoming more mainstream with an increasing number of environmentally conscious designers serving up sustainable styles and earth-friendly frocks, the runways are typically reserved for regaling the glitz and glam of overly indulgent attire.

But this week, Vancouver turns the spotlight on sustainability with its first ever eco-focused fashion night, Friday, November 7th, 2008.

Vancouver Fashion Week, a hotbed of haute couture and leading west coast designers, is one of the premier purveyors of popular pageantry, unveiling some of the world’s most sought after styles and trends. This year, VFW is showing its support for the environment with a dedicated evening for designers to promote their leading edge sustainable artistry and eco-conscious craftmanship. From eco luxury, showcasing the art of organic handmade silk, to the unique beauty of recycled fabrics like cashmere and wool, an impressive range of techniques and designs will be featured.

Want An Eco Trademark? Stand in Line

mcmilker — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:19:59 +0000

According to the report, Trends in Trademarks, applications for patents on trademarks, logos and taglines reached an all time high in 2007. And chief among the requests…those related to green business.

New filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2007 topped 300,00 beating the previous record of 289000 in 2000, driven in part by new marks for eco-friendly products. The word GREEN was the most popular vehicle for communicating environmental friendliness. Applications more than doubled in 2007, increasing from 1100 to over 2400.

Read more of this story »