For several years now, the ‘Green Movement’ has been pressing forward. It’s been heartening to see a world come together, united to save our planet. I’ve read some statistics (read full article):

87% of consumers feel it’s their duty to contribute to a better society & environment

82% feel they can personally make a difference

83% are willing to change their own consumption habits to help make tomorrow’s world a better place.

Now, having said all that, there’s been a lot of media play about the economic downturn bringing the greening of the world to a standstill. I disagree-what I’m seeing is a world becoming more savvy & creative about how to be green on a budget. To me, that’s the underlying message of being green-reduce, reuse & recycle, versus the conspicuous consumption of the 80’s & 90’s.

I’m hoping there will be a similar effect in our industry. Food service companies have struggled to balance environmentally friendly approaches with escalating costs. From cleaning agents to disposables to organics, costs can be 30% or more for green than conventional. Perhaps the bright side of this recession will be creative people finding ways to make these products more accessible and broaden the impact they can have.

And for the first time in my life, I’m not cheap, I’m chic!
Makes me warm & tingly.