The Environment & Environmental Awareness: A Universal Concern

Once upon a time thinking green was a concept that eluded the consciousness of the mainstream. Preserving and protecting our environment didn't represent a major issue for most people. We left the worrying to the environmentalists and tree hugging folks who radically preached the gospel of saving the earth. Many of us were blissfully unaware of the serious consequences of deforestation, diminishing natural resources, and the melting of glaciers worldwide.

Today, environmental awareness has become a part of our daily lives. We shop at local supermarkets that provide reusable cloth bags and brown paper bags; recycling has become the norm, and we arrange carpooling schedules with our colleagues.

Projecting into the next year, the internet will become a "university" for environmental awareness. Children, teenagers and adults will be able to connect to numerous green sites. A green internet site provides visitors with information and ideas on how to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. Visitors to the site will find practical, cost effective ways to improve their lives through going green in a fun, interactive community. These sites will target specific markets (children, tweens, women, etc.) based on their particular needs and concerns. In addition, these sites will provide companies with prime ad space for promoting eco-friendly products and a test market for product development and research.

Next year we will also see the burgeoning eco-friendly apparel market take off. This fast growing fashion trend is going to catch the attention of mainstream consumers in a major way. Many retailers will follow the lead of JC Penney, Wal Mart and Target, and introduce eco-friendly product lines which include clothing and accessories such as bags, socks, and hats. Their websites will receive increased traffic by offering special internet discount prices and printable coupons that can be used in the store and on the internet.

With the steady rise in gas prices and the issue of air pollution, next year will usher in the beginning of a new transportation movement. Commuters will start to consider options like hybrid or electric cars and mass transit alternatives. The internet will experience an increase in hits to sites which provide information about these forms of transportation. These websites will be their first stop to make an informed decision and to glean more insights.

Finally, we will experience a shift toward eating organically. Consumers are becoming more informed about harmful pesticides and chemicals found in foods. We live in a health conscious society, focused on diets, exercise and longevity. The internet will be an invaluable source for research on organic foods-what they are, where to find these products, cooking ideas, recipes, and forums to share information with other website visitors.

Environmental awareness is a universal issue. It affects every life, regardless of age, ethnicity or social status. The internet provides the perfect vehicle for educating, sharing and making a difference in saving our environment and in turn our own lives.