The Rise of Conscious Consumption

Earth Day is just around the corner. You don't have to pick bugs by hand off your plants or wash your car in rainwater to be a good steward of our planet.

Decades after Earth Day launched in 1970, support for a cleaner earth, air and water for us and future generations has adherents from boardrooms to bedrooms throughout the world.

The message of sustainability and our roles as Mother Earth's caretakers is quietly shaping how we grow gardens in our own backyards or within communities.

Suzi McCoy, the Garden Media Group's chief garden trendspotter and green living expert, has long proclaimed, "Just plant something." And this message is catching on as statistics bear out.

According to the Garden Writers Association's 2011 Fall/Winter Lawn & Garden Survey of nearly one-thousand people across America, close to 70% of American consumers have a lawn or garden and three of five believe the issue of sustainability in gardening is important. (TechnoMetrica)

We're calling this trend: Conscious Consumption.

GWA's survey indicates that nearly 58% of respondents have reduced the use of chemicals and 53% have reduced or eliminated watering their lawns. Plus, 48% have used compost or other natural nutrients instead of chemical fertilizers, 66% have grown edible plants, veggies, fruit or herbs and more than 52% have created habitats for insects, birds and wildlife.

According to the 2010 Cone Survey 83% of consumers still want to see more brands, products and companies that support worthy causes.

"We finally moved from "me" to "we" and consider the earth and each other when we purchase," says McCoy.

You can preserve the earth's delicate eco-system and enjoy the wonder of nature in your little piece of heaven with American Beauties Native Plants. Their partnership with the National Wildlife Federation is an example of the mindshift. When you buy an American Beauties native plant, a donation is made to NWF's Certified Wildlife Habitat Program.

And the birds, butterflies and bees will thank you.

~Lynne Garden Media Group

What’s Trending NOW

American Beauties Native Plants

Here we unveil four more green living trends to cultivate the good life, with the power of plants.     

Conscious Consumption. According to the 2010 Cone Survey, 83% of consumers still want to see more brands, products, and companies that support worthy causes. 

We finally moved from “me” to “we” and consider our earth and each other when we purchase 

Why use native plants? You can save your backyard with American Beauties Native Plants^®. This partnership with the National Wildlife Federation is an example of this mind shift. Buy an American Beauties’ native plant and a donation is made to NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat Program.

Occupy Local. People are “occupying” local farmers markets and joining CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) for fresh produce, plants and products

Farmers markets are our new backyard veggie gardens and are becoming our local grocery store.

According to the U.S. Dept of Agriculture, sales of “locally produced food” reached $4.8 billion in 2008.They project that locally grown foods will generate $7 billion in sales dominated by fruit and veggies this year  


In Living Color. From Tangerine Tango, the new Pantone color of the year, to deep purples and soothing greens, colors are all over the landscape.

Create a technicolor summer with new Bloomtastic! Bambino Bougainvillea and multi-colored bougainvillea Patio Trees that add intense tropical color to patios, balconies and poolside.

Hines Growers Bloomtastic! bougainvillea

Costa Farms Tropic Escape Hibiscus

With rich, gem like colors you can create your own personal paradise. Tropic Escape Hibiscus from Costa Farms produces huge flowers that last twice as long as regular hibiscus and are perfect for decorating patios and landscapes.

Techno-Gardening. With the rise of smart phone technology, QR-codes, apps and Groupon, social living is bringing power to the people and consumers into the buying experience. Gardening is going digital with free e-zines. Costa Farms’ GrowingStyle digital magazine brings designer tips and the latest plant info from growers and designers in this free app.

The Havahart Motion Activated Sprinkler

Garden products are going high-tech, too. Now there’s a cutting edge way to rid your yard of unwanted critters. The new motion activated sprinkler repellents from Havahart® provide caring control solutions that safely rid unwanted animals from your yard. No toxic chemicals that can harm people, pets or the environment.

For more inspiration for garden and outdoor living from the 2012 Garden Trends visit our website www.gardenmediagroup.com. 



-Katie
Garden Media Group

What's trending now? Conscious Consumption.

Here at the Garden Media Group, we're always on the lookout for cool garden and green living trends. Since the release of our GMG 2012 Garden Trends Report: Cultivate the New Good Life with the Power of Plants, we're focusing on each one for your feedback and providing a forum to share your thoughts.

Case in point: The trend toward Conscious Consumption.

According to the 2010 Cone Survey, 83% of consumers still want to see more brands. American Beauties Native Plants' partnership with the National Wildlife Federation is a great example of this mindshift.  

 

When you buy an American Beauties' native plant, a donation is made to NWF's Certified Wildlife Habitat Program. It's a great way to make a conscious decision to grow plants that attract butterflies, bees, birds and beneficial insects and enjoy the beauty that native plants provide- right in our own backyards.

If we each do our part, together we can make a difference in the world and give back to Mother Nature.

Let us know how your buying habits are influenced by the Conscious Consumption trend-- or are they?? And add your comments to the conversation. We'd love to hear from you!

Cheers!

Lynne

GMG