Everyone knows that green is the new black, but what you might not know is that most people are perfectly cool with black. Sure, we’d all love to do our part for the environment, but the general consensus is that a good deal and easy parking are more important than patronizing a market that uses recyclable bags and packaging. So says a recent Nielsen poll, which reported that only 9% of adults prioritize a store’s environmental impact and practices when choosing where to shop.
This shouldn’t come as a shocker, especially considering the rising cost of food and other basic essentials such as gas and health insurance. Inflation is making things more and more difficult for America’s sprawling middle class, and the looming threat of recession can only mean more trouble for them–and for the Green movement.
One market-savvy blogger predicts that, in the face of said recession, the long-term future of the Green movement is grim. "Going green," he says, "is a ‘smart, socially-conscious’ business move when the economy’s booming. One wonders, though, how many CEOs will stay the course when their boards and shareholders squeeze them even harder for improved quarterly profits."