Do you buy eco-friendly items?

[Cornish Steve]

The thing is Chris - if you are marketing to consumers, Scott *IS* your market.

Correct. This is why it's mostly raving environmentalist consumers who buy goods at an inflated price from raging environmentalist producers and sellers. Until the attitude of these producers and sellers changes, green products will remain a niche market and not become mainstream. Some sellers seem to think their products are just too good for the hoi polloi who don't share their enlightened beliefs and political ideology. Not exactly a good growth strategy! When you're selling just a few high-priced items, such as Tesla cars, you can get away with it. But light bulbs? How can you sell a mass-market item when you won't embrace the mass market? And just one look at the poll results (albeit a small sample) shows what the mass market thinks.

 

[jncc]

in the case of cleaning products - look for yourself - contains - 'amongst other ingredients' what other ingredients? What are they? I like this to a stranger giving me a tablet and saying 'take this it is great'.

This may not be concerning to most people because they think that it's not getting into their body and not doing them any harm, so let me remind people that in fact anything you can smell, you are inhaling and will likely be entering your blood through the lungs. Also, unless you very thoroughly rinse surfaces, plates, cutlery etc with clear running water (so many people don't even rinse their washing up) then all the cleaning products you used will be transferred to your food and then into your body.

I wonder if people often think that cleaning products are "nothing" in themselves, and they just "clean" things, kind of making it all neutral and of zero concern. If anything, they will sterilise your items (i.e. kill living organisms on them) but that is not the same as being "clean".
Like in the adverts where the caring mother sprays litres of Flash all over the kitchen and then lets her baby eat straight off the surfaces. Where do they think the Flash has gone to? It's still there on the surface and now on your baby's food, hands and mouth. You know how they do the faux-UV bacteria-transfer demonstration, where meat juices are spread across so many different surfaces and place in the house - well the same will happen with your cleaning product. "Things stick to other things."

Also perhaps few people realise that if these cleaning products are so fantastically effective and killing microbes then what are they going to do to human cells? Hopefully not too much harm in most cases, but too much for me to want to be exposed to them.
That might be a simple way for people to appreciate that they don't "make things clean" and then are of no further concern.

I watched with dismay recently as my butcher sprayed some anonymous purple liquid onto all his meat trays, wiped them with a cloth and then put meat directly onto them.

We cover our food and bodies with poison, all the time, because some advertising told us to.

If you do one thing, please stop with the air fresheners - you do not know what is in them, you do not know what the long term effects are, they are the biggest waste of money - clean properly and they are totally unnecessary.

agreed, air freshners are absolutely hilarious. It's a great example of a completely pointless product. Open the ****ing window!

I cringe whenever I have to breathe through fragranced air like that

 

[Gill]

I quite agree with you jncc- take preservatives, grr - it doesn't stop being a preservative and will go on being so.

Take a washing up bowl and put in some water and commercial brand of washing up liquid, mix to make bubbles.

Go away for half a day upon your return you will be greeted by - lots of bubbles.

Why do people think that when they pull the plug the bubbles know to disappear?

It reminds me of when we used to smoke on buses - off to the back for a cigarette and somehow the smoke knew to stay at the back of the bus, or the smoking and non smoking areas in restaurants.........

We now know that smoking is really bad for us and passive smoking is too but for years it was acceptable.

I think the same will hapeen with air fresheners.

Unfortunately I have a condition which requires regular hospital appointments, the door to the loo states that the air freshener used within may trigger asthma? This is sheer madness - so they know this happens and put a sign up to warn you - what so then that is ok? I just can't understand.

Oh I am sure I am repeating myself but here is the story anyway.

In Summer of 2008 I took a holiday with the young children to the Middle East leaving my mother in charge of the house and older children (all over 18) actually you can see what they got up to - the party is on YouTube, but that is another story........

I returned and settled back in, all back to 'normal' and six weeks later our eco digester stopped working completely, it backed up - you can imagine, I shan't elaborate.

After rodding for four hours and digging a field at 10.30pm I gave up. The digester had stopped working because all of the bacteria needed for it to work had died - they had been killed with cleaning products, most likely bleach (imagine for a moment if you will what was going through my head - I make and use my own cleaning products -I was quite literally frantic!). The two burly blokes were quite surprised at how upset I got - pulling myself up to the full five feet one tall I said - I am The Green Housekeeper I do not use bleach, would not give it house room.... and then it dawned on me. Mother admitted she had bleached the loo in my absence. The cost of the empty and restock more than justifies the additional cost of natural cleaning products but of course if you are on mains sewerage you won't need to think about the stuff you are putting down the drains will you? The consequences will not be so apparent, so 'in your face' oh it was, it was awful!

I couldn't use Flash etc if I wanted to (not that I want to for the reasons mentioned before) but I simply wish that everybody would think a little more about the consequences of their actions, again it is just responsibility.

Actually, cleaning naturally is very simple and economical, vinegar kills 99.9% of bacteria, I admit the smell is unpleasant but that is easily rectified - naturally.

I am working on my store cupboard range (which includes vinegar) at the moment which is why I am at my computer.

Anyway, sorry I have hogged the thread. I must be one of those raging environmentalist producers.

Yep, probably guilty as charged, hey ho I am off to the market, it is in Niche.

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

1) Now your speaking for 'a lot of folk' despite not knowing the market? Your ignorance continues to know no bounds.
The selling message is very strong and very simple.

2) Simple constructive advice? Telling me i have problems and how to market my products despite no knowledge of the industry is constructive advice? I'll refrain from saying what i think to that.

3) You think an awful lot of yourself don't you? I can see you have an ego to feed and you use this site to feed it. Maybe you could setup a business that gives companies marketing advice based on absolutely no knowledge or experience of their products or market place. I'm sure it will go down about as well as your 'advice' to me on here has.

You need to be very careful who's advice you trust and give respect to on places like this.

Oh will you calm down . We're just discussing this here and I created this poll because I didn't fully believe that the whole 'eco-friendly' angle was as effective as some claim. Turns out I was right after looking at the poll results.

I've disagreed with your die-hard environmentalist views and you've thrown a hissy fit. It's stuff like that which tarnishes the reputation of eco-friendly people everywhere. You preach your views, someone is sceptical and then you start raging. You should understand that some people are sceptical and don't just believe everything they're told without evidence.

You've even came on here offering to provide advice, so why is it such a big deal when I give you my view in return?

Now your speaking for 'a lot of folk' despite not knowing the market? Your ignorance continues to know no bounds.
The selling message is very strong and very simple.

I know the market of average people who are perhaps environmentally aware, sometimes or frequently recycle and use those energy-saving bulbs you seem to loathe. I'm fairly confident that makes up the big majority of the people in this country.

Of course there's a market filled with eco-warriors and eco-friendly businesses who will invest considerable capital into 'green' alternatives in almost everything they do. That's a good sized market, and if you want to target that then great. However, expect some resistance and scepticism if you start trying to push these products onto the average person who has been using energy-saving bulbs for years.

If you can't see that, then you're blinded by your own passion.

3) You think an awful lot of yourself don't you? I can see you have an ego to feed and you use this site to feed it. Maybe you could setup a business that gives companies marketing advice based on absolutely no knowledge or experience of their products or market place. I'm sure it will go down about as well as your 'advice' to me on here has.

No not really. I just know about a lot of 'average' people out there and I have a good understanding of how some would react to this type of product (my background is in marketing after all).

Feel free to disagree and explain why, as that's the whole point of a discussion. So far though you've just ignored what I've said and had a big rant about me personally.

You need to be very careful who's advice you trust and give respect to on places like this.

Respect? This is an informal discussion about environmentally friendly products and that's all. I really don't understand why you're getting so worked up about it.

PS: Look at Gill for example. She has provided a lot of interesting description about her opinions and what she does. She hasn't become angry over it, despite us most likely having very different views on the whole eco-friendly topic. It's just discussion.

 

[Cornish Steve]

You preach your views, someone is sceptical and then you start raging.

Just for the record, this is a common phenomenon at these forums: Someone asks for advice, they get candid feedback, and they become very defensive. It's not easy to accept that well-made plans have flaws, and I'm as guilty as anyone else in this matter. Still, candid feedback is probably one of the most valuable things we can receive at these forums.

I would echo Scott's comment: The "pure" green message doesn't sell products right now, so what other message would work? It has to be based on selfishness - saving money, for example, or getting a better product for the same price. Another important marketing message might be safety - fewer potentially dangerous components. Until a message resonates, green products will remain fringe products.

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

I would echo Scott's comment: The "pure" green message doesn't sell products right now, so what other message would work? It has to be based on selfishness - saving money, for example, or getting a better product for the same price. Another important marketing message might be safety - fewer potentially dangerous components. Until a message resonates, green products will remain fringe products.

I think it boils down to three points when it comes to businesses:

1). Saving money. A business will be MUCH more likely to adopt green alternatives if they can save money in the long-term.

2). Branding. Some major corporations take this whole 'eco-friendly' thing quite seriously for the sake of conforming and keeping the eco-warriors happy. Plus the media continues to big it up. A good example of this is the advert campaigns from car manufacturers and oil companies which are purely there to say "by the way population of the UK, we're making some effort when it comes to climate change".

3). Eco-friendly service/product providers. Some businesses seem to think this is the next big thing, and of course some business owners genuinely feel very strongly about climate change. I've seen a number of businesses involved in the 'green' industry spend fortunes of money on some serious eco-friendly revamps.

I think there's an element of one or more of those in the vast majority of cases.

 

Correct. This is why it's mostly raving environmentalist consumers who buy goods at an inflated price from raging environmentalist producers and sellers. Until the attitude of these producers and sellers changes, green products will remain a niche market and not become mainstream. Some sellers seem to think their products are just too good for the hoi polloi who don't share their enlightened beliefs and political ideology. Not exactly a good growth strategy! When you're selling just a few high-priced items, such as Tesla cars, you can get away with it. But light bulbs? How can you sell a mass-market item when you won't embrace the mass market? And just one look at the poll results (albeit a small sample) shows what the mass market thinks.

I've taken exception to someone who knows nothing about my industry telling my i have 'problems' and how to run and market my business.

Now we have confirmed that can you please inform me how i am not embracing the mass market? Please substantiate your claims. :|

Could you also name me an eco brand or business who think their products are too good for the 'hoi polloi' (whatever that means). I find it amazing you think people who run a business don't want to sell their products.

If you are saying my product prices are inflated, could you please tell me why.

Can't wait to read your thoughts.

 

[AdamJ]

I've taken exception to someone who knows nothing about my industry telling my i have 'problems' and how to run and market my business.

Now we have confirmed that can you please inform me how i am not embracing the mass market? Please substantiate your claims. :|

Could you also name me an eco brand or business who think their products are too good for the 'hoi polloi' (whatever that means). I find it amazing you think people who run a business don't want to sell their products.

If you are saying my product prices are inflated, could you please tell me why.

Can't wait to read your thoughts.

Christ, will you shut up with this petulant whining. It was an interesting topic, with some interesting posts both for (Gill) and against (others), with intermittant semi-hysteria ruining it.

 

Oh will you calm down . We're just discussing this here and I created this poll because I didn't fully believe that the whole 'eco-friendly' angle was as effective as some claim. Turns out I was right after looking at the poll results.

I've disagreed with your die-hard environmentalist views and you've thrown a hissy fit. It's stuff like that which tarnishes the reputation of eco-friendly people everywhere. You preach your views, someone is sceptical and then you start raging. You should understand that some people are sceptical and don't just believe everything they're told without evidence.

You've even came on here offering to provide advice, so why is it such a big deal when I give you my view in return?

I know the market of average people who are perhaps environmentally aware, sometimes or frequently recycle and use those energy-saving bulbs you seem to loathe. I'm fairly confident that makes up the big majority of the people in this country.

Of course there's a market filled with eco-warriors and eco-friendly businesses who will invest considerable capital into 'green' alternatives in almost everything they do. That's a good sized market, and if you want to target that then great. However, expect some resistance and scepticism if you start trying to push these products onto the average person who has been using energy-saving bulbs for years.

If you can't see that, then you're blinded by your own passion.

No not really. I just know about a lot of 'average' people out there and I have a good understanding of how some would react to this type of product (my background is in marketing after all).

Feel free to disagree and explain why, as that's the whole point of a discussion. So far though you've just ignored what I've said and had a big rant about me personally.

Respect? This is an informal discussion about environmentally friendly products and that's all. I really don't understand why you're getting so worked up about it.

PS: Look at Gill for example. She has provided a lot of interesting description about her opinions and what she does. She hasn't become angry over it, despite us most likely having very different views on the whole eco-friendly topic. It's just discussion.

Scott,

1) I am excited and need to calm down?
2) I've thrown a hissy fit? I dislike you and your manner. That's not a hissy fit.
3) I have die hard environmentalist views?
4) I'm tarnishing the reputation of eco-friendly people everywhere?
5) I preach my views?
6) I am raging?
7) I don't understand people are sceptical about LED products despite writing on this very thread how many poor LED products there are on the market and that without them i might not have as strong a business opportunity?
8) I am and have offered advice to quite a few people on this site. I will not be told that i have 'problems' that i am 'raging' that i have thrown a 'hissy fit' that i am 'tarnishing the reputation of eco friendly people everywhere' and every other rude and untrue comment you have thrown at me. I also won't be told how to market a product in an industry i have 10 years experience of by someone who hasn't got a minutes experience. I wouldn't touch you with regards to marketing if thats how you operate.
9) I know the market as well. I'm been looking at it for 10 years. Thanks all the same.
10) I do loath energy saving bulbs. The are a poor energy saving lighting solution, do not produce a good light, do not illuminate straight away, majority are ugly and they contain hazardous substances.
11) You are now trying to patronise by suggesting my products only have a market with 'eco warriors' and 'eco friendly' companies. You couldn't be more wrong. I am dealing with some of the biggest companies and brands in the UK right now. Every one i seen is very interested in my products.
12) I'm not blinded by my own passion. I am very focused and clear about how i am going to create awareness for LED products, educate people and create my market. I don't need someone who knows nothing about the industry educating me on my own market.
13) I have a very good understanding of my market. I'm not the sort of person who creates a poll on a site like this and by post 9 proclaims my opinions have been proved right. I've done market research over several years. I find it more helpful than a poll.

I think you need to pull your head out of somewhere, quickly and learn some manners.

I have no interest in reading anymore of your ignorant and petty comments.

 

Christ, will you shut up with this petulant whining. It was an interesting topic, with some interesting posts both for (Gill) and against (others), with intermittant semi-hysteria ruining it.

So i am not allowed to ask someone to quantify their accusations and opinions towards me and and my business ?

Wow. What a forum.

 

[Cornish Steve]

I've taken exception to someone who knows nothing about my industry telling my i have 'problems' and how to run and market my business.

Not exactly. You've taken exception to candid feedback from someone who represents the clear majority opinion in this informal poll. What prompted my comments about products not being good enough for the hoi polloi?

With all due respect, Scott is a minimal % of my market. Anyway, i like to deal with people on a personal and respectful level

...which is basically saying you prefer to sell only to those who agree with you - even though they represent a small minority.

Far better is to listen to those in the mass market, because you're offering a mass market product. Learn from this feedback. Try other messages. Find the right positioning. Writing the majority off because they don't agree with you is not a winning business formula.

 

[Cornish Steve]

If you are saying my product prices are inflated, could you please tell me why.

I didn't say your prices are inflated. I'm sure you offer good prices compared to others selling the same product. The issue is why someone would pay 10x the going rate for something that is a throw-away item.

Our LED bulbs for the home are £14.99 and £16.99.

You've articulated some benefits - longevity, better lights - but that doesn't seem to cut it with the majority (it certainly doesn't with me). Safety might be another. Could you personally guarantee that a bulb will last two years, for example? A guarantee of longevity is more powerful than a promise of longevity. Could you think outside the box? What about offering an annual contract for "light"? As part of the contract, you'd replace bulbs as necessary.

 

[bry123]

I would only buy an eco-friendly product if it is superior to similar products. I certainly wouldn't buy something just because it's eco-friendly.

 

I didn't say your prices are inflated. I'm sure you offer good prices compared to others selling the same product. The issue is why someone would pay 10x the going rate for something that is a throw-away item.



You've articulated some benefits - longevity, better lights - but that doesn't seem to cut it with the majority (it certainly doesn't with me). Safety might be another. Could you personally guarantee that a bulb will last two years, for example? A guarantee of longevity is more powerful than a promise of longevity. Could you think outside the box? What about offering an annual contract for "light"? As part of the contract, you'd replace bulbs as necessary.

What do you mean a throw away item? An LED bulb is certainly not a throw away item, the absolute opposite.

Our warranty's for bulbs are the ones we receive from our suppliers. Our spot lights come with a 2 year guarantee and our common bulbs guarantee is yet to be set by the factory. I still have the first bulbs the common bulb factory ever made in my garage. That's 6 years ago and they are going as strong as ever.

The first thing any customer looks at is the money saving ability. 80-90% of your energy bills for 20 + years is some return. Thats what the majority of domestic consumers will look for, that and the fact it will be a very long time before they have to buy another bulb or replace it. Put the LED in and forgot about it whilst saving a large amount of money. The environmental issues are all secondary to mass market appeal. Then there are those who needs the latest technology and to show off, those who might not be eco-conscious but like the added benefits to saving money and less hassle and also like to pretend they are.

For business and industry, it's the complete package. They save money and they get the benefits of being an energy saving, environmental conscious company. A huge reduction in carbon emissions and energy consumption is something PR companies would love and in terms of marketing for the company, its fantastic.

Starbucks in the US are currently changing all their stores to LED lighting, gradually. It's a friend of mine who has the contract to fit the stores out and they are using the same bulbs i have. In fact i sourced them and acted as a consultant on the project.

 

Not exactly. You've taken exception to candid feedback from someone who represents the clear majority opinion in this informal poll. What prompted my comments about products not being good enough for the hoi polloi?


...which is basically saying you prefer to sell only to those who agree with you - even though they represent a small minority.

Far better is to listen to those in the mass market, because you're offering a mass market product. Learn from this feedback. Try other messages. Find the right positioning. Writing the majority off because they don't agree with you is not a winning business formula.

No i have taken exception to an ignorant and rude person who i'd rather not have anything to do with on any level.

The meeting i had with a massive hotel chain the other day started with the MD saying 'i want to be frank and tell you i don't care about saving the planet, my employers don't care about saving the planet so tell me how you can save me money'

He wasn't rude to me, he didn't tell me my market, he didn't make ignorant accusations he was open, honest and decent. The hotel is now taking on our bulbs on an experimental basis for one of their hotels in London.

So i sold to someone who didn't care about eco issues and had no problem with him.

I haven't written anyone off, apart from an arrogant, rude and ignorant person on a web forum.

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

So i am not allowed to ask someone to quantify their accusations and opinions towards me and and my business ?

Wow. What a forum.

I wish you would ask me the same thing. After all, that's the point of a discussion instead of just telling me I have an ego and I need some manners.

Scott,

1) I am excited and need to calm down?
2) I've thrown a hissy fit? I dislike you and your manner. That's not a hissy fit.
3) I have die hard environmentalist views?
4) I'm tarnishing the reputation of eco-friendly people everywhere?
5) I preach my views?
6) I am raging?
7) I don't understand people are sceptical about LED products despite writing on this very thread how many poor LED products there are on the market and that without them i might not have as strong a business opportunity?
8) I am and have offered advice to quite a few people on this site. I will not be told that i have 'problems' that i am 'raging' that i have thrown a 'hissy fit' that i am 'tarnishing the reputation of eco friendly people everywhere' and every other rude and untrue comment you have thrown at me. I also won't be told how to market a product in an industry i have 10 years experience of by someone who hasn't got a minutes experience. I wouldn't touch you with regards to marketing if thats how you operate.
9) I know the market as well. I'm been looking at it for 10 years. Thanks all the same.
10) I do loath energy saving bulbs. The are a poor energy saving lighting solution, do not produce a good light, do not illuminate straight away, majority are ugly and they contain hazardous substances.
11) You are now trying to patronise by suggesting my products only have a market with 'eco warriors' and 'eco friendly' companies. You couldn't be more wrong. I am dealing with some of the biggest companies and brands in the UK right now. Every one i seen is very interested in my products.
12) I'm not blinded by my own passion. I am very focused and clear about how i am going to create awareness for LED products, educate people and create my market. I don't need someone who knows nothing about the industry educating me on my own market.
13) I have a very good understanding of my market. I'm not the sort of person who creates a poll on a site like this and by post 9 proclaims my opinions have been proved right. I've done market research over several years. I find it more helpful than a poll.

I think you need to pull your head out of somewhere, quickly and learn some manners.

I have no interest in reading anymore of your ignorant and petty comments.

By the sounds of that I think you're the one with the massive ego. You say you have loads of experience in this industry, so when someone comes along with a disagreement or advice, then you take instant offence.

12) I'm not blinded by my own passion. I am very focused and clear about how i am going to create awareness for LED products, educate people and create my market. I don't need someone who knows nothing about the industry educating me on my own market.

Well how about you EDUCATE people then and stop throwing a tantrum when someone comes along and is more sceptical than you would prefer? You said the bulbs save loads of money, I disputed that and you didn't like it one bit did you? I've offered for you to explain to me exactly what is so great about these bulbs and why my criticisms are flawed, but you've just continued with personal insults.

What are you going to do when a potential customer comes along and has the same concerns as me? Brush them aside as well? I'm a potential customer just like most other people on here. I have bulbs in my home and I could pop out right now to buy LED light replacements for all of them. I made some criticisms, asked you some questions (which you have ignored) and you started going off on a rant against me.

I made ONE claim that the return on investment for a bulb isn't that much, and then I said that I believe only very eco-conscious people will buy these bulbs. You then went off on one which clearly shows that you're offended by what I said:

Ah yes, an energy saving bulb that is full of mercury, that millions upon millions finish up in landfill at the end their lifes, than does not illuminate straight away, that still loses the majority of its energy through heat it produces, that doesn't create a very good source of light.
Yes, go and buy one of those for £2 - which by the way, won't be £2 for much longer as even the government has now woken up to these terrible bulbs that claim to be environmental and save energy. The government has pulled all funding and grants for CFL's.

So go buy your CFL and buy a terrible product for the environment and a sub standard lighting product.

If a potential customer comes along and says something similar to me (which wasn't that bad at all I don't think) will you read that off to them as well?

The first thing any customer looks at is the money saving ability. 80-90% of your energy bills for 20 + years is some return.

What on earth? So if I replace the 8 energy-saving bulbs in my home with LED alternatives, I'll save 80-90% of my energy bills?

I don't get it.

 

[jncc]

 

[Xiong Yali]

I notice this a lot these days. Many businesses put a lot of focus on selling eco-friendly alternatives and eco-friendly items in general.

Personally I never look at eco-friendly products unless they're exactly what I need. I look for what is most suitable for me, whether it's eco-friendly or not.

So, do you go out of your way to buy eco-friendly products (B2B and B2C)?

Yes,i would like to bury eco-friendly products.it's our responsibility.we should protect our environment.do you think so?

 

[Cornish Steve]

Yes,i would like to bury eco-friendly products.

Freudian slip.

 

[Xiong Yali]

Freudian slip.

Yes,what's your opinion?

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

Yes,i would like to bury eco-friendly products.it's our responsibility.we should protect our environment.do you think so?

I occasionally recycle and re-use shopping bags, but that's mostly because I dislike waste instead of trying to prevent the world from imploding.

 

[jncc]

I occasionally recycle and re-use shopping bags, but that's mostly because I dislike waste ...

Why do you dislike waste?

... instead of trying to prevent the world from imploding.

Where have you heard that the world may implode?

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

Why do you dislike waste?

Not sure. It's an OCD more than anything else. I just feel uncomfortable unnecessarily chucking away things which could be quite easily used again.

Where have you heard that the world may implode?

It's something along those lines according to the eco chaps.

 

[jncc]

Not sure. It's an OCD more than anything else. I just feel uncomfortable unnecessarily chucking away things which could be quite easily used again.

Yes it doesn't feel right. I have no explanation to give for it, it will always hit a dead end after a few more "whys" anyway.

It's something along those lines according to the eco chaps.

Sounds bad

 

[Cornish Steve]

Yes,what's your opinion?

A Freudian slip is when a person has a slip of the tongue, where they say one thing, but mean another. While watching a commercial advertising a laundry detergent, Lenny asks his girlfriend to pass him the phone, but instead, he says, "Can you pass me the soap?"

You mentioned "burying" eco-friendly products, which is what I might do to some of them. You probably meant to write "buying".

 

[Xiong Yali]

A Freudian slip is when a person has a slip of the tongue, where they say one thing, but mean another. While watching a commercial advertising a laundry detergent, Lenny asks his girlfriend to pass him the phone, but instead, he says, "Can you pass me the soap?"

You mentioned "burying" eco-friendly products, which is what I might do to some of them. You probably meant to write "buying".

yes,i am sorry for my mistake.thanks for your remind.

 

[Sobie]

in our industry Peat is the big debate, current peat free products are generally variable, or cannot be used for most gardening purposes Or the most important we've found is match the price of Peat based composts.

We found a peat free product that is lovely stuff and you can grow almost anything in it (except seeds) but the price is £5.99 a bag in comparison to 3 bags for £10 for peat based products. We've sold many artic lorry loads of the 3 for £10 compost and only 90 bags of the peat free compost, Yet I always recommend the peat free as it is in this instance much better and as you can tell from our sales figures either I'm not a very good sales person OR PRICE is the most signifcant factor.

But most customers now ask for boxes to take their purchases home in, whereas it was always carrier bags before. So people are thinking about recycling.

 

[Cornish Steve]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what is wrong with peat?

 

[MASSEY]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what is wrong with peat?

I cant remember exactly but from what i recall in my geography lessons people are over using peat.

 

[Matt1959]

I never buy based on eco friendly. Possibly if I was wealthy and had money to burn, I might. I cringe when I see eco stuff in ad copy as its so obvious its a cliched attempt at playing to the eco crowd which really as we've seen on this poll, doesn't exist...

Re lightbulbs - until this thread I never realised there was an alternative to low energy bulbs emitting poor light. At £16 a bulb or whatever, its a bloddy dear option but I'd pay that just to get decent and instant light. Guy on here flogging these things would do better to be less defensive and concentrate on how to get the message across that these products are available in the first place....

 

[Sobie]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what is wrong with peat?

Unfortunately very few people are aware about Peat Usage.
There are many issues,
Peat is not a sustainable resource it is very slow to form, it is estimated that it takes one year to form 1mm of peat. less than 2% off the world is covered by peat bogs. 94% of the UKs peat bogs have been damaged or destroyed most of this damage has occured in the last 50 years.
Peatbogs contain rare and native plants and wildlife. Some scienists therefore claim peat bogs to be as important as rainforests.
Peat bogs act as natural water purifiers and help prevent flooding by absorbing water.
The most important issue is that Moss in peat bogs absorb vast ammounts of carbon dioxoide, which is released back into the environment when harvested.
Peat extraction is due to completely cease in the UK in 2012 (that is if there will be any left!)

Peat is harvested for 2 main purposes, gardening and as a fuel for heating.
2.5 millon cubic meters of peat are sold to UK gardeners every year.

If this has inspired you to use peat free or soil based composts (or homemade) in future it is worth checking with your local nursery/ garden centre how much peat is used in growing the plants for sale. Commercial growers have significantly reduced the peat used to grow the plants for sale in garden centres, ours stand at about 30% peat useage, There is no current alternative to peat for Acid loving plants such as Azaleas.

Explaining this makes very little difference to our customers. the more elderly gardener has only ever used peat and so is relucant to change, other people are put off by the price and some people do not seem to care about the environment that is being lost as they do not see how their 3 bags a year can make a difference as a whole. Others do not believe in climate change.

 

[Cornish Steve]

Others do not believe in climate change.

Again, excuse my ignorance, but what has climate change got to do with the use of peat?

 

Re lightbulbs - until this thread I never realised there was an alternative to low energy bulbs emitting poor light. At £16 a bulb or whatever, its a bloddy dear option but I'd pay that just to get decent and instant light. Guy on here flogging these things would do better to be less defensive and concentrate on how to get the message across that these products are available in the first place....

I'm not defensive about my products or my business. I have made it very clear what i was defensive about and will not tolerate.

Got an order for 1000 units yesterday at a free property show in London from a developer based in Dubai. He absolutely loved the product and its capabilities.

If you'd like to ask me any questions about LED products then just pm me, i'd rather keep things off this forum from now on.

Thanks

Chris

 

[Becky Midgley]

It's nice to see everyone getting so passionate about this subject - it's always a bit contentious; myth is hard to seperate from reality due to over-egged claims, media hype and of course 'the bandwagon' (all of which have been discussed above). Having said that, please be sensitive to the thoughts and opinions of others - cheers.

While we're on the subject (and it is a subject which is very close to my heart) I thought I might throw my two pennies in as well (sorry in advance).

The comment earlier about losing the 'green' tag is a good one, 'responsible' would be a much better title for this. I try to make responsible choices wherever I can about what I use, reuse and recycle.

Here are my tips for a more responsible way of living (if you're interested):
I always recyle and buy recycled
I always use a hand-dryer and not towels (towels take energy to make and dispose of and be delivered)
I make my own toiletries wherever possible (see here for some info on chemicals in toiletries and cosmetics)
Same goes for cleaning
I always try and buy second-hand clothes and always donate them when I'm done
I don't use plastic bags
I always turn lights and switches off and I only ever boil as much water as I need for a cuppa
I don't flush the toilet every time I go - insane amount of water wastage, but I accept that this is a tough one for people to adopt

The list goes on. Why do I do these things you may ask? I do them because they are easy to do and they might help. It's a bit like my own version of Pascal's Wager, but for the environment. I also feel uneasy if I don't do them. Like Steve, I detest the throw-away culture we seem to have developed, and I do what I can to reverse it, even if in my own locality and environment.

I'm not saying that I don't do things that are bad for the environment, I do, but if I can limit my own contribution then why wouldn't I?

 

[amazestore]

most of the time these goods are much more expensive. If the product is not too expensive I would choose the eco-friendly item

 

[Sobie]

Again, excuse my ignorance, but what has climate change got to do with the use of peat?

Sorry I did not explain that part very well.
Peat is really just loads of very slowly decomposed moss. Peat absorbs Carbon Dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas from the atmosphere however as well as producing oxygen peat also "locks" any CO2 it doesn't use into the soil indefiniately. When Peat is dryed for harvesting the CO2 is released back into the atmosphere and as there are less peatbogs less CO2 is absorbed in the first place. It is estimated that a quarter of the worlds entire carbon resource is "locked" into peat bogs.

I've just got this weeks copy of Horticulture weekly and Hillary Benn has changed the date for horticulture to be peat free to 2020. (Peat will probably be shipped in from bogs in Canada and Finland)

The Which trials on composts this year gave 3 best buys. All are Peat free, New Horrizon came out top in all catagories and outperformed all Peat based composts, however like I mentioned before there is no current alternative to peat for Ericaceaous plants. (the other two best Buys were from Vital Earth) As we sell New Horrizon at £5.99 a bag, and Peat Based Multipurpose composts at 3 bags for £10. Price always wins.

 

This thread had me in tears

There really are 'some' absolute nobody's who think they are business guru's on this site.

A guy who operates in a very specialist industry for over ten years being told about his own market and how to sell his products and run his business by someone who has absolutely nothing to do with the industry in any form. Can't make this stuff up, you really can't.

I'd be looking at the post counts and the time spent on this site by those who are aparrent business 'gods'. If your have a high post count and spend a lot of time on this site, then to me, that suggests how well your actual business is going and how much time you spend on it. Be wary.

I have sold all manner of products to nearly every country in the world and founded one of the biggest retail websites in the world (although no longer part of it), yet i wouldn't dream i know anything about this type of market or the eco market in general. I know nothing about it and would rely on guys like this to educate me.

In answer to the question posed. Until recently i have been ignorant of Eco products and sceptical, but i believe any industry that ignores our environement and the issues that we face will suffer in the long term. Helping save energy, reduce emmissions etc is already a massive part of business and is getting more and more influential to a companies reputation. I am looking at these types of products for my home and business very carefully.

Chris, i have seen the description of the products you put in the intriductions thread, i have some distribution channels that i think could really work for you. If you want to pm me i'll give you my phone number and we can have a chat. I'll be looking for a % out of it, but only a very small one for the introduction.

I think some on here need their online ego's checked and burst. Wake up and realise you are not who you think you are and how damaging it could be if someone followed your 'advice'.

 

[Cornish Steve]

I don't flush the toilet every time I go - insane amount of water wastage, but I accept that this is a tough one for people to adopt

A few years ago, when we were going through a bit of a drought, the local saying was: "If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down."

 

This thread had me in tears

There really are 'some' absolute nobody's who think they are business guru's on this site.

A guy who operates in a very specialist industry for over ten years being told about his own market and how to sell his products and run his business by someone who has absolutely nothing to do with the industry in any form. Can't make this stuff up, you really can't.

I'd be looking at the post counts and the time spent on this site by those who are aparrent business 'gods'. If your have a high post count and spend a lot of time on this site, then to me, that suggests how well your actual business is going and how much time you spend on it. Be wary.

I have sold all manner of products to nearly every country in the world and founded one of the biggest retail websites in the world (although no longer part of it), yet i wouldn't dream i know anything about this type of market or the eco market in general. I know nothing about it and would rely on guys like this to educate me.

In answer to the question posed. Until recently i have been ignorant of Eco products and sceptical, but i believe any industry that ignores our environement and the issues that we face will suffer in the long term. Helping save energy, reduce emmissions etc is already a massive part of business and is getting more and more influential to a companies reputation. I am looking at these types of products for my home and business very carefully.

Chris, i have seen the description of the products you put in the intriductions thread, i have some distribution channels that i think could really work for you. If you want to pm me i'll give you my phone number and we can have a chat. I'll be looking for a % out of it, but only a very small one for the introduction.

I think some on here need their online ego's checked and burst. Wake up and realise you are not who you think you are and how damaging it could be if someone followed your 'advice'.

Thanks for your comments

Rather unsurprisingly your pm box is full ! Could you let me know when you empty it so i can pm you ?

Many Thanks

Chris

 

[Becky Midgley]

A few years ago, when we were going through a bit of a drought, the local saying was: "If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down."

Perfect! But why wait for a drought? We're all so reactionary aren't we? Only changing the way we do things when we're told it's necessary for some reason or other. Why don't we all try and change the way we do things now?

Anyway, eco warrior bit done, I'm off to feed my hamster