Halcyon Impacts

 

Since 2000, global meat production has risen by 20%.  With varied growth in production volume in different geographic regions, global meat trade is expected to rise further: by 2019, world meat exports are projected to be 22% higher than in 2007–09.

 

Global use of materials - the food, feed, forest products, metals, and minerals that constitute the foundation of modern economies - was up 2.7% in 2007, the latest year for which global data are available. Worldwatch warns that materials use is a proxy indicator for environmental impact: the greater the tonnage of virgin materials extracted, processed, consumed, and disposed of, the greater an economy's environmental footprint.

 

Organisations can significantly reduce their greenhouse-gas emissions through better planning.  For example, as nearly 6% of greenhouse gases generated by humans are due to the flow of products to consumers, corporations could significantly lower these emissions by systematically analysing their supply chain logistics.

 

Some supermarket chains are installing webcams into apparel factories to give customers a direct, uncensored viewed into working conditions.

 

Post "Climategate", a more thoughtful, realistic model of eco campaigner is perhaps beginning to emerge.

 

Some manufacturers are now cutting harmful chemicals in dry cleaning machinery, while consumers seeking alternatives can also remove many stains with household substances such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or starch.

 

Ecological transparency continues to increase in many consumer markets.

 

Consumer spending on "ethical" products, from Fairtrade food to eco-friendly travel, has almost tripled in the past decade,

 

Does the "new normal" mean abandoning the "next new thing" spending of the past 20 years, in favour of enduring priorities?

Some consumers claim to be suffering from "green fatigue", feeling that they can do little to effect positive change.