Green Industry Able to Ride Out Recession Better

Ethical consumerism has put a new spin to the economic relationship of recession and demand. The economic turmoil that has choked governments and wiped out some of the biggest businesses in the world seems to be having a lighter impact on the green industry. Recent statistics from Forrester Research and others report that a remarkable percentage of shoppers in the US and UK consider the environment when purchasing products and services. Washington State Employment Security Department identifies the green industry- including jobs focused on finding new solutions for energy needs- as one of the more recession-resistant labor markets in 2009.

The ability of the green industry to sustain itself is directly related to the responsible consumers who take the environment and resource management seriously. Sally M. Cohen, author of the Forrester Research report, considers this group of consumers as willing to additional more for green and ethically produced products and brand-loyal shoppers who will stick with companies that continue to support their own ethical values.

Sustainable business practices and procurement can come with a slightly higher price tag, but the opportunity cost in the long-run is much lower. This mantra applies to both consumers and producers of green products and services.