The credit crunch is hitting everyone at the moment. You can’t escape the fact that food, fuel and bills are more expensive causing most people to tighten their belts. Traditionally ethical and green products have been more expensive than there counterparts.
Take for example food. The organic section is always more expensive than the imported fruit and veg. The same goes for meat. So with everyone cutting back will sales of organic food be hit? Here in the UK we have heard suppilers complaining that profits have been down over the last few months. Does this mean that ultimately consumers are fairweather eco-warriors? The evidence seems to point that way.
The same is true for ethical fashion. There is a comment on this blog to show that the ethical fashion industry is being hit by the credit crunch. Check out the post here. It appears that people are flocking to places like Primark where you can pick up T-shirts for £3.
However, could there be a positive side? In the short term some sectors may take a hit but then this is the same whether you are an ethical and green company or more mainstream. We could see second hand clothing stores take off. People may mend their clothes rather than bin them or swap them with friends. In terms of food will people start to grow their own veg rather than buy from superstores?
In the world of travel will more people take to public transport as it will be so much cheaper than filling the car with petrol. People are also more likely to take a holiday in their native country as exchange rates are less attractive and flights are more expensive.
Only time will tell what the outcome will be. Hopefully the credit crunch will lead people to think more about their carbon footprint and how to become carbon neutral, if only in an effort to save the pennies!
For me I needed to start at the very beginning and find out exactly what organic wine is.