Predictions for 2009

It’s about that time of year when prognosticators and other opinion leaders across all industries begin to forecast (to the best of their ability) what trends will further shape the market landscape over the next 12 months.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) recently predicted that sustainability will become a standard practice in 2009.  In a special year-end report from Rebecca Pollack of GMA SmartBrief, a publication that targets executives in the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry, food safety was rated as the most important issue in 2009 by 40 percent of the vote.  Environmental sustainability (24 percent), health and wellness (14 percent), food labeling (12 percent) and food marketing (eight percent) rounded out the responses.  To read more, click here.

Look for more “green” predictions, trends and observations to be posted on our blog in the coming weeks.  And as always, we encourage you to comment and share your own opinions on what should be on the top of business and consumer agendas in 09 when it comes to recycling, green tech and other environmental issues.  

Economy Down – Recycling Up

Going green pays – literally.  

A community in Southern, California is cashing in and recycling cans, bottles and 600-900 pounds of plastic daily!

Watch this short news video clip from So-Cal News, a Time Warner broadcast cable operator.  What better way to earn a little extra cash and help our environment at the same time.

The Green Standard

On a whole, colleges and universities “get it” when it comes to recycling and reducing their carbon footprint. Many have various green programs and progressive environmental efforts that are contributing to the positive perception of their institution.  

In fact, the prestigious Princeton College Review and Kaplan’s College Guide now have sections devoted to how “green” a particular college or university is today.  

According to a well-written article in the December issue of Continental Magazine, entitled, “The Green Standard,” Schools have undertaken a variety of strategies to accomplish emissions reduction goals, including switching to renewable energy sources, employing passive heating and cooling techniques, setting strict regulations on new buildings, and retrofitting existing buildings to make them more efficient.  Other conservation practices range from recycling and composting to green purchasing programs.

For more on The 2009 Princeton Review College Rankings, click here.

For more on Kaplan’s College Guide, click here.