Paying More to be Green

By Beth Daley, Globe Staff, from Boston.com
It's hard to avoid the onslaught of eco-friendly products these days. Maybe it was a joke, but I've even seen a reference for carbon neutral underwear.

Now, a new Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies survey show that marketers are clearly tapping into a money-maker: People want environmentally friendly products - and are willing to pay more for them even if their financial situation is poor.

The survey, conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media and Yale showed that half of respondents said they would "definitely" or "probably" pay 15 percent more for eco-friendly clothes' detergent or for an automobile. Forty percent said they would spend 15 percent more on "green" computer printer paper and 39 percent would do the same for green wood furniture.

And Americans who said their current financial situation is "fair" or "poor" were just as willing to spend 15 percent more on environmentally friendly detergent or furniture as those Americans with a better financial picture.

Some 75 percent of respondents said environmental groups are "very" or "somewhat" trustworthy when it comes to sponsoring eco-labels, only 55 percent said government agencies were trustworthy and 51 percent said industry groups were.So will you pay more for green products? And how certain are you that the products you are buying really are green?

Portions taken From PR Newswire (http://sev.prnewswire.com/retail/20080716/CLW01516072008-1.html - for full story)

The spotlight continues to shine on an innovative trio of eco-friendly characters called Idbids - Scout the cloud; Lola the flower; and Waverly the water drop - who teach children "iddy biddy" steps to keep the Earth happy, healthy and green and how to have fun while doing it.

"We believe eco-friendly toys like Idbids can bring to life the idea that going green is fun, even for children as young as 3 years old," says Sarah Alvarez, co-owner of Idbids. "The combination of plush, huggable characters with beautiful, vibrant colors and supporting storytelling components help the concept of going green become an exciting, imaginative adventure."

The eco-friendly Idbids engage children in going green through colorful characters and simple activities that cleverly simplify a complex issue into something a child can understand. Scout, Lola and Waverly each have green feet and distinct personalities, and each is dedicated to a particular environmental element. Scout, a soft, fluffy white cloud, is knowledgeable about the air and becomes a bit cranky when he thinks about air pollution. Lola, the flower of the bunch, teaches children about trees and plants. And Waverly, a bright blue water drop, cares deeply about the oceans, seas, rivers and lakes.

Along with a storybook, field guide and an organic fabric cinch sack for the child to wear, the eco-friendly Idbids take children on a journey of discovery to learn the iddy biddy steps to protect the environment, from turning off the water when they brush their teeth to picking up and disposing of trash - and remembering to wash their hands! When children finish all of the Earth-saving activities listed in the field guide, they, along with a grown-up, visit www.idbids.com to be rewarded with an Idbids Certificate of Completion.

The Idbids, through toys and licensed children's products, are designed to create awareness and inspire action. Their motto is "iddy biddy steps make a biggie big difference in keeping our Earth happy, healthy and green." Idbids strives to make its products using organic, recycled or eco-friendly materials. For more information, visit http://www.trafficresults.com/click-rabbit.php?acctid=vJdXkCq9w9Y=&docid=CLW01516072008-1&redirect=1&url=http://www.idbids.com, or call 1-877-4IDBIDS (1-877-443-2437).

Rainbow Disposal Stop & Shop

Did you know Rainbow Disposal has a Stop & Swap where you can drop off your household, yard and car care products you no longer need and pick up others you can use? It's free and available here in Huntington Beach at 17121 Nichols St. (between Bothard and Beach), open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 3pm.