How Green Are You?

It’s almost overwhelming and at times, a little amusing, to see how many facets of American society are declaring themselves to be green in one way or another. I never before realized that even things such as gourmet chocolates can be produced in an environmentally friendly manner. But, according to an ad for one of my favorite brands, they can. And apparently it is not only important to be green, but equally important to let the world know about it. I almost start to feel guilty nowadays if I happen to buy something that doesn’t strongly proclaim its greenness, so I can feel reassured that I am fulfilling my responsibilities to the planet.

With this type of green consciousness invading our lives, it is a quandary for providers of goods to know how to respond. In focusing specifically on the closet and home organization industry, we wondered how manufacturers and suppliers were feeling and reacting to the situation. Accordingly, we questioned our Advisory Panel about it, and the responses cover an entire spectrum of opinions.

Three comments in particular illustrate the range and main categories of answers:

1. “Ultimately, the move towards ‘green products’ will do nothing but raise the cost to the final consumer. The arguments sound good, but it is actually no more than another attempt by do-gooders to fix a nonexistent problem and spread their wish for socialism. I will fight is as long as I can.”

2. “We are prepared to change to an eco-friendly product as consumer demand changes. We plan to offer a green product this fall.”

3. “We owe it to the environment to manufacture in a responsible, renewable manner. It should not be a trend. It should be the way we do things.”

So now we cast our inquiry net a little further — What number best defines your feelings? And if you have a strong opinion to share, sound off!