Business News and Information

I try to do my part for the environment, and though I could do more, I feel good that I’m an adamant recycler, take water conserving measures my boyfriend considers extreme, buy “fair-trade.” When I can afford it, I try to buy organic.

Sometimes though, my limited finances can prohibit me from being as green as I’d like. Take last Friday, for example. I stopped by my local grocer to get some cranberry juice for an evening of Cape Cods and dramatic films with my friend.

Perusing the aisle, I looked for a juice bottled in glass, no easy feat in a major grocery store like Albertsons. I saw a section of organic juices and my heart leapt. That is until I saw the price. Try $9.99 for a 32 oz. bottle of cranberry juice.

$9.99, are ya kidding me?!

I’m sure this is an issue for other consumers as well.

Many business sectors are realizing environmentally friendly does not necessarily negate affordability. The Body Shop is an interesting example. Founded by Anita Roddick the company was recently sold to L’Oreal.

After the purchase L’Oreal stock dropped, but with stores sales projected to increase 24 percent over the next three years those investor’s may want to pick that stock back up before shares of L’Oreal become more valuable. For more information read this post from Ladka Bauerova.   

Farming, however, is an altogether different matter. Spraying weed killer is much cheaper than hiring someone to pull up weeds. And while organic and locally grown produce does seem to taste better, this article from The Charlotte Observer notes research has proven there’s little difference in nutritional content of organic produce versus that from large-scale farms.   

The sake of the environment should be of paramount importance to business and consumers. Maybe one day, more of us will be able to afford environmentally friendly food.

P.S.

Today is Blog Action Day 2007. I was excited to participate and hope this gets more people talking about conservation and the environment. Many authors in the Know More Media network also participated, please read Jennifer Chait’s post at Office Stuffer.