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at 2/27/2008 10:15:31 AM, Advocates of Green Design said:
Why They Should Say Yes. We think the Yes far out weighs the No. We must say that we are a little disappointed in the view of this post - We would like to rebut with the fact that buying green is not only about the financial, but it is about investing into our planets future and our own health. Prices being higher - on average really stem from demand, which is raising daily, and will drive cost down. Technology and companies have been allowed to be lazy at the opportunity for decades too long. Let us also not forget about health - being green is about reducing/removing the toxins from our environment. Furthermore, being green is about remembering our heritage and reconfiguring the way we all think about use, production, and reuse. Laziness is WHY green currently costs more - so how about we strike a debate of being green together?

at 2/27/2008 11:00:09 AM, Maku said:
Another factor that I believe is causing the consumer to say no in green purchases is the education of the retailer and their ability to sell to a younger more vibrant and savvy consumer. For years the furniture industry has made it's living on selling / marketing to baby boomers. As the BB generation ages they are downsizing their lifestyle and not spending as much on home furnishings. In turn opening the door for Genx and Geny consumers to become the main focus of the marketplace. Granted as a company Maku Furniture is new to this business but over the last 18 months I have been blown away by the number of times I have heard a retailer say how much they believe in green products and want them in their showrooms / stores but don't understand the process and more importantly don't understand the consumer. We look at those as opportunities to go in and educate the staff in not only the ways of green but also understanding this emerging consumer group. When a consumer has more product education than a retailer does than there are bound to be problems in acceptance of said products at the retail level despite the growing demand on the consumer's behalf. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to educate the retail staff yet this is not happening at most levels. There are great regional examples such as Vivavi in NYC, Eclectic home in Portland, Vernare in Hollywood that all do great job of speaking to and educating their customer base on green products and their business are flourishing in this time of economic slowdown. Just a little food for thought from your friends @ Maku Furniture have a rocking day!