June 2006 "Used" American Values
Eco-conscious shoppers aren't just looking for products made from recycled and renewable materials, or products that are conserving and less polluting. They are also buying things they need secondhand, and for their efforts -- to reduce needless production of new goods and stop waste of useful items -- they are being called unpatriotic and spoilers of the American dream by some! In fact, however, it is status quo consumerism that is jeopardizing the American dream. The current trend in production, consumption and disposal that squanders resources, ignores environmental implications, and neglects responsible disposal is threatening the protection and sustainability of the very assets imperative for economic prosperity. Furthermore, there is another American dream shared and pursued by millions: I'm talking about the dream of a clean, safe and enjoyable environment. But I digress.In this country our economic goals revolve around the exchange of goods and services, and it would seem reuse critics fear that if consumers stop buying new stuff all the time, the economy will go in the tank. I for one have a much more confident view of this country's capitalist verve and talent for seizing an opportunity to create or expand, and even exploit, one market if another is in decline. If there were a gradual shift towards purchasing that relied to a larger degree on the acquisition of secondhand goods, I have no doubt that the market players not positioned to trade in this market would adjust to remain relevant. There are successful sectors and niches of our economy that already invest in the trade of used goods, namely, real estate brokers, auto dealerships, and antiques dealers. Why should only certain high-ticket items be worth preserving and passing on? The answer is they shouldn't.
Enlightened companies are embracing reuse for the sake of the environment, corporate image and profits. Producers from computer and electronics companies to carpet manufacturers, have implemented programs to take back used products from customers and refurbish what can be resold and recycle what cannot. Buy-back and take-back programs that return repaired, reconditioned or remanufactured used goods and secondary materials to the marketplace can generate big savings and profits for participating businesses. For example, the first year Xerox Corporation started taking back used products for remanufacturing or recycling, it saved $50 million dollars.
When consumers en mass start to look for used goods and seek markets for their own used things, all kinds of revenue opportunities will arise for existing and new businesses eager to meet the increased demand for collecting, cleaning, sorting, reconditioning, refurbishing, remanufacturing, distributing, and reselling used products, parts and materials.
The creation and sale of new goods will never cease entirely, because obviously products and materials wear out and products we use must keep up with consumer safety standards and sustainability goals. But there is no denying the need for solutions that reduce resource waste, and those solutions can be practical and profitable, and need I say, quite American.
April 2006 Is "Green Shopping" an Oxymoron?
During a recent radio call in show about "green" shopping, one caller proclaimed the show to be a "sham," and argued that there is no such thing as a "green" purchase since all purchases take a toll on the environment. Well, true….and false. No product's impact on the environment is ever perfectly black or white--or green! Most products do or will impact the earth and environment to some degree and at some point during their fabrication, useful life or after disposal, and maybe all three. But when we compare relative impacts of consumer products within certain categories, some clearly come out on top in terms of environmental performance, and whether that makes it green or a shade of green, it's progress.Generally, as a nation we buy too much stuff, we super size too often, and we waste without thought -- it's a problem, and we should strive to correct overuse and misuse first. But sooner or later, at one point or another, we all become consumers. We will need a home, heat, furniture, clothes, shoes, diapers, food, etc. For these types of purchases and others, we can improve the environmental outlook by choosing products that conserve and protect earth's assets. Purchasing power is a great means of positive change when it is used to support technologies, products and materials that replace conventional ones that cause unnecessary environmental harm. The truth is, thoughtful purchase decisions can improve our situation. When we satisfy our need for transportation, energy, lighting, wardrobe, shelter, food, etc. by choosing alternatives that will reduce current levels of pollution, resource extraction, habitat destruction and pesticide use, for example, we are actively participating in environmental caretaking.