According to this report, consumer demand is steadily increasing for products that fulfill eco-friendly, natural, organic, local, humane, and fair trade criteria. Major marketers and retailers are increasingly tapping into this trend by offering more ethical products, upping their corporate responsibility efforts through energy-efficient "green" facilities and sustainable business practices, and increasing their associated cause-related marketing efforts.
Anyone knows by simply walking into a busy Whole Foods that there is a strong customer demand for healthier products. According to the report, approximately one-fourth of shoppers in the U.S. buy certified organic food and beverages and one-third are willing to pay more for organic food, even in the midst of an economic recession. This means that more organic turkey may end up on American's plates this holiday season.
If you are looking to make healthy and eco-friendly choices over the Thanksgiving Holiday, here are some helpful tips:
• Make a shopping list before you go out. Trying to think on the fly will cause unnecessary purchases and trips back and forth to the maket
• Buy local and/or organic. Thanksgiving is all about using your local resources to make delicious food. Get your turkey from you local farmer’s market or local producers.
It’s not just about the turkey!
• Drink green. Only buy wines with real cork stoppers, rather than plastic. Trees are not cut down for cork, and it is a crucial part of the forestry industry. Look for organic wines and liquors.
• Avoid plastic wrap. Most plastic wraps contain PVC which quickly winds up in landfills and has been linked to harmful environmental consequences. Use aluminum foil or, even better, send family home with glass or ceramic storage containers that they can return to you after.
• Keep your hands dry! A recent study found that your dishwasher uses less soap, half the energy and 1/6 of the water you might during hand washing. Air dry the dishes rather than heat drying them.
