I recently read an article about the buying public and their willingness to "Buy Green" even though we are in the midst of an economic downturn.  This is an important study because it answers an important question about the value of becoming a Certified Green Business through the Green Business League.  The study comes from EnviroMedia Social Marketing, and it starts out by addressing the belief that climate change is a real phenomenon.  Collectively, eighty percent believe in global warming although nearly thirty percent believes that it is a naturally-occurring event.  Another twenty percent does not accept that global warming has been proven or even exists.

A telephone survey of 1000 people showed that more and more people were willing to use their purchasing power to reward the obvious Green companies and programs with their business.  This is a logical result of nearly a decade or more to media news and threats about global warming, pollution concerns, and environmental dangers.  It seems that no school-age child has not been heavily indoctrinated with the environmental message.  The news is saturated with a vast array of environmental issues, and government officials are openly committed to change the way citizens and businesses impact the community and the world.

The message that needs to come across to businesses at any level is that the trend is firmly in place.  Going Green is not an option, nor is it something to apply superficially.  It requires a consistent process to make a Green business happen from the inside out. 

Greenwashing is a business sin that will eventually splash back on those companies who promote Green purchasing but do not do the same themselves.  As with any other commitment, superficial and token efforts eventually produce resentment and disgust that no business wants to engender among their customers.

The Green market is growing because people understand that this is not simply a governmental issue.  It is an individual challenge that is being adopted by people, families, businesses, and governments.  Going Green is not only about making the world a better place.  It is also about the reality that the world hosts nearly 7 billion people who are pulling hard on our world's resources.  We must address efficiencies and innovations that will allow the people of this world to sustain normal life for a very long time.  We all want a better life rather than a dismal future.  It seems that we are ready to demand that others commit to the cause, and we will reward the certified Green businesses with our hard-earn dollars.

If your business want to earn its Certified Green Business status with the Green Business League, we suggest that you find a serious partner in the effort by locating a Certified Green Consultant in your area at the Green Consultant Directory.