EcoAmerica News Blog

For Firstborns, Secondhand Fits the Bill

The culture of consumerism is reversing, at least in the baby-industrial complex.  New parents are being are much more likely to see stigma in purchasing a new top-of-the-line stroller than in finding a used one.  This trend seems to have begun even before the economic downturn at the end of last year.

From Isolation to Affiliation

JP Collins, the owner and principal of Pylon Studios, will be taking an in depth look at some of the trends revealed in the Natural Marketing Institute's annual trends report.  This month he discusses the ways that businesses can advantageously market their green products and services by being innovative and emphasizing authenticity and quality.

Peer Pressure & Environmentalism Linked

This post from Orato illustrates the benefits of using a peer pressure messaging strategy when trying to get consumers to go green.  Instead of having people choose to protect the environment for the greater good, convincing them that it's the norm is more likely to change their future behaviors.

Why Best Buy Is Rooting for the Smart Grid

Joel Makower takes a look at Best Buy's efforts to establish and market itself as the leader in green products and services to a burgeoning mainstream consumer base.  Many of the opportunities to increase energy efficiency can be found in the appliances and products available in the store and Best Buy is aiming to capitalize on the growing market.

What can we learn from polls on cap-and-trade?

Grist discusses the usefulness of polling questions that reference cap-and-trade.  With the majority of Americans not understanding what the term means, the poll results are largely determined by the framing of the question.  What Roberts misses is the general distaste people have for the term itself as revealed in our Climate and Energy Truths Report.