Comments on: New Under the Sun: The Biodegradable Bag http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag Opinions. Commentary. News. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:23:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: James Orello http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-117098 James Orello Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:07:48 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-117098 Page... Are you serious? You'll choose to destroy the planet because the bag makes noise? Hopefully, you are of a dying breed of people that aren't willing to change to save the earth. Hope this doesn't hurt your ears. Page… Are you serious? You’ll choose to destroy the planet because the bag makes noise? Hopefully, you are of a dying breed of people that aren’t willing to change to save the earth. Hope this doesn’t hurt your ears.

]]> By: Ted Mininni http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-91748 Ted Mininni Mon, 17 May 2010 14:25:27 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-91748 Hi Page, Thanks for sharing your observations with us. This goes to show that packaging decisions have many ramifications. User experience and packaging interaction have to be considered, green or not. When it comes to food packaging, all of our senses are engaged, and sound is important, as you've pointed out. Some people might actually enjoy the loud crinkling of the new Sun Chips packaging, while others have to steel themselves when opening it, as you do, Page. I appreciate your insights on this since actual usage is important to any discussion on packaging. Hi Page,

Thanks for sharing your observations with us. This goes to show that packaging decisions have many ramifications. User experience and packaging interaction have to be considered, green or not. When it comes to food packaging, all of our senses are engaged, and sound is important, as you’ve pointed out. Some people might actually enjoy the loud crinkling of the new Sun Chips packaging, while others have to steel themselves when opening it, as you do, Page. I appreciate your insights on this since actual usage is important to any discussion on packaging.

]]> By: Page Robertson http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-90622 Page Robertson Sat, 15 May 2010 02:54:01 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-90622 I doubt that any of you have actually bought and opened the new Sun Chip bag. The noise it makes is reminiscent of a finger scratched on a blackboard from my childhood. As Kermit says,"It isn't easy being green", when I have to steel myself to the noise to put the Sun Chips into a gallon Zip Lock bag, so now I've used 2 bags. I'll just go to another product, and I'll bet a lot of others will too. It will never last unless they go back to the drawing board with ears wide open! I doubt that any of you have actually bought and opened the new Sun Chip bag. The noise it makes is reminiscent of a finger scratched on a blackboard from my childhood. As Kermit says,”It isn’t easy being green”, when I have to steel myself to the noise to put the Sun Chips into a gallon Zip Lock bag, so now I’ve used 2 bags. I’ll just go to another product, and I’ll bet a lot of others will too. It will never last unless they go back to the drawing board with ears wide open!

]]> By: Ted Mininni http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41293 Ted Mininni Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:49:11 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41293 Hi Promo Bag Collector, Thanks for weighing in on my post. I always appreciate thoughtful responses to the questions I pose. You've said what most consumers do. We'd all feel good about buying products in compostable packaging. It just can't be prohitibively expensive. As to composting at home, many companies make units that are small enough to sit on the kitchen counter or on the terrace. City dwellers might consider composting if there are public gardens nearby. Compost donated to city gardeners is black gold! Lastly, we need to continue to work toward viable solutions on all fronts to cut down on the amount of material that ends up in landfills. Thanks the tip on the water soluble bags. I'll definitely check that one out. Hi Promo Bag Collector,
Thanks for weighing in on my post. I always appreciate thoughtful responses to the questions I pose. You’ve said what most consumers do. We’d all feel good about buying products in compostable packaging. It just can’t be prohitibively expensive. As to composting at home, many companies make units that are small enough to sit on the kitchen counter or on the terrace. City dwellers might consider composting if there are public gardens nearby. Compost donated to city gardeners is black gold! Lastly, we need to continue to work toward viable solutions on all fronts to cut down on the amount of material that ends up in landfills. Thanks the tip on the water soluble bags. I’ll definitely check that one out.

]]> By: michael http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41292 michael Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:43:12 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41292 I flush my dog's poop down the toilet with a flushable doggy waste bag. Most eco-friendly way to get ride of dog poop. The company is called Flush Doggy. There are flushable dog poop bags. The best answer probably because dog poop can get treated just as your poop is. FlushDoggy, is a fully biodegradable, flushable(water soluble) dog waste bag that is very eco-friendly. Dog doodies are best to be flushed down the toilet and degrade naturally , just as our own doodies. Stop destroying our earth and start educating the public, one poop at a time. Be a responsible owner and go green for our pets. I flush my dog’s poop down the toilet with a flushable doggy waste bag. Most eco-friendly way to get ride of dog poop.
The company is called Flush Doggy.
There are flushable dog poop bags. The best answer probably because dog poop can get treated just as your poop is.
FlushDoggy, is a fully biodegradable, flushable(water soluble) dog waste bag that is very eco-friendly.
Dog doodies are best to be flushed down the toilet and degrade naturally , just as our own doodies. Stop destroying our earth and start educating the public, one poop at a time. Be a responsible owner and go green for our pets.

]]> By: Ted Mininni http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41291 Ted Mininni Fri, 22 May 2009 19:40:24 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41291 Sonia, Thank you for the kind words and for posting thoughtful responses to my questions. We're all consumers and your first point demonstrates the power we have when we speak up in favor of getting positive things done. Kudos to you! You've made another insightful point here, too. Consumers are beginning to shy away from single portion packaging now. They're perceived as part of our recent highly consumable past and represent a great deal of wastefulness. Manufacturers ought to heed this. Also: take note of the success of the wholesale clubs as consumers buy commodities increasingly in bulk. Not everyone can compost, but here's a thought. If you live in apartments in a city, are there community gardens that you might be able to donate your rich compost to? Or would you consider becoming a city gardener yourself? Some people even put pots out on their decks, roofs and south-facing window ledges...just a thought. Lastly, you're right, Sonia. As new packaging innovations and substrates become cheaper and more affordable; as quantities become larger, more companies will jump on the bandwagon. Managing costs efficiently makes for successful businesses. Thanks, Sonia. Sonia,
Thank you for the kind words and for posting thoughtful responses to my questions. We’re all consumers and your first point demonstrates the power we have when we speak up in favor of getting positive things done. Kudos to you!
You’ve made another insightful point here, too. Consumers are beginning to shy away from single portion packaging now. They’re perceived as part of our recent highly consumable past and represent a great deal of wastefulness. Manufacturers ought to heed this. Also: take note of the success of the wholesale clubs as consumers buy commodities increasingly in bulk.
Not everyone can compost, but here’s a thought. If you live in apartments in a city, are there community gardens that you might be able to donate your rich compost to? Or would you consider becoming a city gardener yourself? Some people even put pots out on their decks, roofs and south-facing window ledges…just a thought.
Lastly, you’re right, Sonia. As new packaging innovations and substrates become cheaper and more affordable; as quantities become larger, more companies will jump on the bandwagon. Managing costs efficiently makes for successful businesses.
Thanks, Sonia.

]]> By: Sonia Singh http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41290 Sonia Singh Fri, 22 May 2009 18:05:17 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41290 Great article as usual, Ted, and lots of good comments/insights here. * As a consumer, are you willing to spend a bit more when buying snacks as well as other foods/beverages in compostable packaging? Yes. My favorite farmer's market recently switched their plastic bags and when I got home I realized that the new bags were not recyclable (gasp). As a marketer, I had a huge issue with this discrepancy in their brand and values. Next time I went in (reusable bags in hand) I asked about the new plastic bags. They're biodegradable! I am an even bigger fan now that I know they're continuing to align their values with every aspect of the store. * If so, would you consider purchasing and using a small composter? I don't have a yard, so the composting issue is a bit moot for me (what would I do with it?). But I do try to reduce consumption wherever possible, even if it's buying larger bags so that I get more product for less package. Sunchips, are you listening? :) * Do you think recyclable packaging or compostable packaging makes more sense in the future? Why? Absolutely. I think as it gets more common, we'll reach that point of scale where it becomes much more cost-efficient, so that hopefully companies that aren't "green" will do it if only for a cost advantage. Great article as usual, Ted, and lots of good comments/insights here.
* As a consumer, are you willing to spend a bit more when buying snacks as well as other foods/beverages in compostable packaging?
Yes. My favorite farmer’s market recently switched their plastic bags and when I got home I realized that the new bags were not recyclable (gasp). As a marketer, I had a huge issue with this discrepancy in their brand and values. Next time I went in (reusable bags in hand) I asked about the new plastic bags. They’re biodegradable! I am an even bigger fan now that I know they’re continuing to align their values with every aspect of the store.
* If so, would you consider purchasing and using a small composter?
I don’t have a yard, so the composting issue is a bit moot for me (what would I do with it?). But I do try to reduce consumption wherever possible, even if it’s buying larger bags so that I get more product for less package. Sunchips, are you listening? :)
* Do you think recyclable packaging or compostable packaging makes more sense in the future? Why?
Absolutely. I think as it gets more common, we’ll reach that point of scale where it becomes much more cost-efficient, so that hopefully companies that aren’t “green” will do it if only for a cost advantage.

]]> By: Ted Mininni http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41289 Ted Mininni Tue, 19 May 2009 12:49:50 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41289 Neil, Sometimes when you go to these links, I recall that you have to sign up to read the reports. So I thought I'd post some paraphrased comments on the report I cited instead from a recent article I wrote: IRI's report tracked consumer behavior in eight distinct demographic segments and the following green segments: organic, Fair Trade commodities, and eco-friendly products. While sales to hard-core eco-centric consumers fell 6.6% in 2008 largely due to price increases, "respectful stewards" increased spending on environmentally friendly products by 15.5% and "proud traditionalists" by 8.4%. This helped buoy sales up 4.1% for the year, signifying that previously less green consumers are climbing what IRI refers to as "the green adoption curve". IRI's eight green consumer groups: * Eco-centrics. "Green" is the chosen way of life for these consumers; they are well-informed, active and ardent supporters of green products. * Respectful stewards. Idealistic, community-focused consumers who see value in paying more for products that are green. * Proud traditionalists. Hard-working, family-focused consumers who focus on having environmentally-conscious homes and experiment with green products. * Frugal earth mothers. Lower income female consumers who look for savings while also looking for more prudent, wholesome products for their families. * Skeptics. Men who are highly educated and earn high incomes; who are also skeptical about the benefits of purchasing green products. * Eco-chics. Young adult consumers who think being green is hip. They'll buy on impulse; they're early adopters but haven't delved deeply into environmental issues. * Green naives. Younger, lower income consumers who haven't made the correlation between cause/effect and environmental responsibility. * Eco-villains. Middle income male consumers; couldn't care less about any environmental issues and dismiss environmental concerns outright. Hope this helps, and thanks Neil, for letting me know about the link problem. Neil,
Sometimes when you go to these links, I recall that you have to sign up to read the reports. So I thought I’d post some paraphrased comments on the report I cited instead from a recent article I wrote:
IRI’s report tracked consumer behavior in eight distinct demographic segments and the following green segments: organic, Fair Trade commodities, and eco-friendly products. While sales to hard-core eco-centric consumers fell 6.6% in 2008 largely due to price increases, “respectful stewards” increased spending on environmentally friendly products by 15.5% and “proud traditionalists” by 8.4%. This helped buoy sales up 4.1% for the year, signifying that previously less green consumers are climbing what IRI refers to as “the green adoption curve”.
IRI’s eight green consumer groups:
* Eco-centrics. “Green” is the chosen way of life for these consumers; they are well-informed, active and ardent supporters of green products.
* Respectful stewards. Idealistic, community-focused consumers who see value in paying more for products that are green.
* Proud traditionalists. Hard-working, family-focused consumers who focus on having environmentally-conscious homes and experiment with green products.
* Frugal earth mothers. Lower income female consumers who look for savings while also looking for more prudent, wholesome products for their families.
* Skeptics. Men who are highly educated and earn high incomes; who are also skeptical about the benefits of purchasing green products.
* Eco-chics. Young adult consumers who think being green is hip. They’ll buy on impulse; they’re early adopters but haven’t delved deeply into environmental issues.
* Green naives. Younger, lower income consumers who haven’t made the correlation between cause/effect and environmental responsibility.
* Eco-villains. Middle income male consumers; couldn’t care less about any environmental issues and dismiss environmental concerns outright.
Hope this helps, and thanks Neil, for letting me know about the link problem.

]]> By: Ann Handley http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41288 Ann Handley Tue, 19 May 2009 12:10:57 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41288 Neil: Try this one: <a href="http://us.infores.com/Insights/Publications/TimesTrends/tabid/106/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://us.infores.com/Insights/Publications/TimesTrends/tabid/106/Default.aspx</a> Neil: Try this one:
http://us.infores.com/Insights/Publications/TimesTrends/tabid/106/Default.aspx

]]> By: Neil Anuskiewicz http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41287 Neil Anuskiewicz Mon, 18 May 2009 23:44:36 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41287 Ted, the link does not seem to lead to a report. I'd love to read it. Ted, the link does not seem to lead to a report. I’d love to read it.

]]> By: Ted Mininni http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41286 Ted Mininni Mon, 18 May 2009 20:19:11 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41286 If you take a moment to read parts of the IRI research report, Neil, you'll see that younger people have the notion that "green" is healthier and better. However, they're not sure what that really means. As is the case with everything else, they will need education. As you point out, awareness and education are both necessary components to our making better lifestyle choices. If you take a moment to read parts of the IRI research report, Neil, you’ll see that younger people have the notion that “green” is healthier and better. However, they’re not sure what that really means. As is the case with everything else, they will need education. As you point out, awareness and education are both necessary components to our making better lifestyle choices.

]]> By: Neil Anuskiewicz http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41285 Neil Anuskiewicz Mon, 18 May 2009 20:10:13 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41285 Of course, I meant "there is" not "their is." I was surprised at first when you said that young people were less attuned to this sort of thing. Then it occurred to me that the baby boomers really got this thing going. Think of Alice Waters, organic, local produce, food coops, the whole foods movement, the environmental movement, etc. I hope the baby boomers follow-through on what they started and successfully get other generations more involved. I am so-called Generation X and a lot of us are attuned to this but not enough. I think the same goes for all the generations. We all need to be educated, aware, and involved for good things to happen! Of course, I meant “there is” not “their is.”
I was surprised at first when you said that young people were less attuned to this sort of thing.
Then it occurred to me that the baby boomers really got this thing going. Think of Alice Waters, organic, local produce, food coops, the whole foods movement, the environmental movement, etc.
I hope the baby boomers follow-through on what they started and successfully get other generations more involved. I am so-called Generation X and a lot of us are attuned to this but not enough. I think the same goes for all the generations. We all need to be educated, aware, and involved for good things to happen!

]]> By: Ted Mininni http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41284 Ted Mininni Mon, 18 May 2009 14:07:34 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41284 Neil, Interesting observations about a "limited (though growing)segment of people that care about green issues". You're right. Ironically, younger people are less attuned to this than mature adult demographics. This according to IRI's latest research. DF readers might like to check this out for themselves: <a href="http://us.infores.com/Insights/Publications/TimesTrends/tabid/106/Default.aspx." rel="nofollow">http://us.infores.com/Insights/Publications/TimesTrends/tabid/106/Default.aspx.</a> Loved your statement: ". . .you do not have to be an environmentalist to be concerned about green issues. You can recognize that waste is bad on a number of levels." Exactly. Thanks, Neil, for adding your thoughts. I appreciate it. Neil,
Interesting observations about a “limited (though growing)segment of people that care about green issues”. You’re right. Ironically, younger people are less attuned to this than mature adult demographics. This according to IRI’s latest research. DF readers might like to check this out for themselves:
http://us.infores.com/Insights/Publications/TimesTrends/tabid/106/Default.aspx.
Loved your statement: “. . .you do not have to be an environmentalist to be concerned about green issues. You can recognize that waste is bad on a number of levels.” Exactly. Thanks, Neil, for adding your thoughts. I appreciate it.

]]> By: Neil Anuskiewicz http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41283 Neil Anuskiewicz Sat, 16 May 2009 16:19:35 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41283 I have to say, though, in my experience their is a limited (though growing) segment of people that care about green issues. They are becoming more educated and aware of the importance of these matters. In my experience, these consumers tend to do their research. I hope that can help keep the companies honest about their claims. As I have mentioned before, you do not have to be an environmentalist to be concerned about green issues. You can recognize that waste is bad on a number of levels. Wastefulness is tacky as well. Let's take a small matter, littering. Almost all reasonable, respectable people think littering is tacky at the very least. Most of us would feel a bit of justified contempt for someone who casually tossed something on the sidewalk. I have to say, though, in my experience their is a limited (though growing) segment of people that care about green issues. They are becoming more educated and aware of the importance of these matters.
In my experience, these consumers tend to do their research. I hope that can help keep the companies honest about their claims.
As I have mentioned before, you do not have to be an environmentalist to be concerned about green issues. You can recognize that waste is bad on a number of levels.
Wastefulness is tacky as well. Let’s take a small matter, littering. Almost all reasonable, respectable people think littering is tacky at the very least. Most of us would feel a bit of justified contempt for someone who casually tossed something on the sidewalk.

]]> By: Ted Mininni http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41282 Ted Mininni Sat, 16 May 2009 13:48:13 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41282 Thanks for weighing in, Neil, as always. You've made a good point about green claims. Green washing does go on and causes confusion for consumers. Having said that, imposters are usually quickly discovered, and thanks to the Internet, just as quickly discredited. This behooves companies to really be scrupulous and honest about the claims they make. . .otherwise they will pay the price with the customer. As to green fatigue, with so many companies jumping on the band wagon now, Paul is questioning whether all of these messages are just going to be tuned out. As I responded to him, I don't think so. As to every consumer product company doing it, my answer is "Great. The more the better. We can cut down drastically on landfill waste, recycling amounts and litter that dots our highways and byways, taking a huge amount of time to break down. All good." As you said, Neil, when most companies adopt greener practices, other criteria will be employed by consumers in making their final purchase decisions, besides environmental concerns. This is the nature of an evolving marketplace. Thanks for weighing in, Neil, as always. You’ve made a good point about green claims. Green washing does go on and causes confusion for consumers. Having said that, imposters are usually quickly discovered, and thanks to the Internet, just as quickly discredited. This behooves companies to really be scrupulous and honest about the claims they make. . .otherwise they will pay the price with the customer. As to green fatigue, with so many companies jumping on the band wagon now, Paul is questioning whether all of these messages are just going to be tuned out. As I responded to him, I don’t think so. As to every consumer product company doing it, my answer is “Great. The more the better. We can cut down drastically on landfill waste, recycling amounts and litter that dots our highways and byways, taking a huge amount of time to break down. All good.” As you said, Neil, when most companies adopt greener practices, other criteria will be employed by consumers in making their final purchase decisions, besides environmental concerns. This is the nature of an evolving marketplace.

]]> By: Ted Mininni http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41281 Ted Mininni Sat, 16 May 2009 13:41:19 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41281 Thanks, Abra, for letting Daily Fix readers know about more viable products coming onto the market that are compostable. I expect this process to speed up. When you consider the sheer amount of packaging and disposable paper goods in the market today, it makes perfect sense to find solutions such as these. And kudos to you for composting at home. More people are doing that, too. BTW: with the resurgence of home produce gardening again, composting kitchen scraps is a great way to fertilize those beds! Thanks, Abra, for letting Daily Fix readers know about more viable products coming onto the market that are compostable. I expect this process to speed up. When you consider the sheer amount of packaging and disposable paper goods in the market today, it makes perfect sense to find solutions such as these. And kudos to you for composting at home. More people are doing that, too. BTW: with the resurgence of home produce gardening again, composting kitchen scraps is a great way to fertilize those beds!

]]> By: Neil Anuskiewicz http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41280 Neil Anuskiewicz Fri, 15 May 2009 23:12:15 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41280 * As a consumer, are you willing to spend a bit more when buying snacks as well as other foods/beverages in compostable packaging? Yes. * If so, would you consider purchasing and using a small composter? Yes. * Do you think recyclable packaging or compostable packaging makes more sense in the future? Why? The energy cost savings alone justify the products are truly compostable. As for Paul's contention of green fatigue, I don't feel it at all. I think many people realize we need to reduce waste and be more energy efficient. I am speaking for myself here in saying that I do not feel green fatigue. On the other hand, if it becomes (or already has) become a band wagon onto which every marketer clamors aboard regardless of the veracity of the green claims then we have a real problem. Nobody wants to be bombarded with green messages and have to always try to figure out which claims are valid and which are "green washing." If that is the way things are going then Paul's concern is certainly valid. If everything is green whether it really is or not, then nothing is green and people stop seeing the color green. It blends in with the background and they just make their purchase choices on other criteria. * As a consumer, are you willing to spend a bit more when buying snacks as well as other foods/beverages in compostable packaging?
Yes.
* If so, would you consider purchasing and using a small composter?
Yes.
* Do you think recyclable packaging or compostable packaging makes more sense in the future? Why?
The energy cost savings alone justify the products are truly compostable.
As for Paul’s contention of green fatigue, I don’t feel it at all. I think many people realize we need to reduce waste and be more energy efficient.
I am speaking for myself here in saying that I do not feel green fatigue. On the other hand, if it becomes (or already has) become a band wagon onto which every marketer clamors aboard regardless of the veracity of the green claims then we have a real problem.
Nobody wants to be bombarded with green messages and have to always try to figure out which claims are valid and which are “green washing.” If that is the way things are going then Paul’s concern is certainly valid.
If everything is green whether it really is or not, then nothing is green and people stop seeing the color green. It blends in with the background and they just make their purchase choices on other criteria.

]]> By: Abra Gilman http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41279 Abra Gilman Fri, 15 May 2009 21:04:19 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41279 I love that these companies are starting to consider what they are doing to our future, and our children's future! I recently heard about a company, www.ecoproducts.com , who produce cups and take-a-way containers which are 'compostable' as these bags are. I know the retailers would need to spend more to use this packaging, but I would be willing to pay for it! I just bought an at-home composter (from Costco) and I'm hoping to educate my children on leaving a smaller footprint! Thanks for sharing the info about SunChips - I'm likely to purchase them JUST because they are thinking 'green'! I love that these companies are starting to consider what they are doing to our future, and our children’s future!
I recently heard about a company, http://www.ecoproducts.com , who produce cups and take-a-way containers which are ‘compostable’ as these bags are. I know the retailers would need to spend more to use this packaging, but I would be willing to pay for it!
I just bought an at-home composter (from Costco) and I’m hoping to educate my children on leaving a smaller footprint!
Thanks for sharing the info about SunChips – I’m likely to purchase them JUST because they are thinking ‘green’!

]]> By: Ted Mininni http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41278 Ted Mininni Wed, 13 May 2009 18:09:31 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41278 Excellent observations and questions, Paul. In regard to packaging: no, I do not see green fatigue as setting in. Since literally every product is packaged around the world, recycling and biodegradable issues are going to remain front and center. You're right. It makes perfect sense to pioneer biodegradable packaging for a brand like SunChips. Its customers are more likely to expect it and care about it. To your point: while it's PC to say biodegradable packaging is important, but actually make it a point to purchase products packaged that way is quite another debate. I'll say this: when looking at Lays chip fans--some of them would like to see greener packaging while others could likely care less--the decision has already been made. And I suspect that even less environmentally conscious customers will like it once it's been implemented, though. After all: it has to make consumers feel better about indulging in their favorite snack and knowing that the bags they throw away won't add to the growing waste stream problem by living forever. Thanks, Paul, for asking such important questions. I appreciate it. Excellent observations and questions, Paul. In regard to packaging: no, I do not see green fatigue as setting in. Since literally every product is packaged around the world, recycling and biodegradable issues are going to remain front and center.
You’re right. It makes perfect sense to pioneer biodegradable packaging for a brand like SunChips. Its customers are more likely to expect it and care about it. To your point: while it’s PC to say biodegradable packaging is important, but actually make it a point to purchase products packaged that way is quite another debate.
I’ll say this: when looking at Lays chip fans–some of them would like to see greener packaging while others could likely care less–the decision has already been made. And I suspect that even less environmentally conscious customers will like it once it’s been implemented, though. After all: it has to make consumers feel better about indulging in their favorite snack and knowing that the bags they throw away won’t add to the growing waste stream problem by living forever.
Thanks, Paul, for asking such important questions. I appreciate it.

]]> By: Paul Barsch http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/comment-page-1/#comment-41277 Paul Barsch Wed, 13 May 2009 17:07:52 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/new-under-the-sun-the-biodegradable-bag/#comment-41277 Ted, addition of a biodegradeable bag is smart branding and ties really well into Sunchips' healthier image. Here's a question for you. Do you see a build up of "green" fatigue? I don't have any research or data to back this up, and could be all wet, but with everything going green these days, I bet consumers would "say" a biodegradeable bag is important, but will this change their buying behavior? How many would choose a bag of SunChips in a biodegradeable bag vs a different kind of chips in a bag made of non-renewable materials? Ted, addition of a biodegradeable bag is smart branding and ties really well into Sunchips’ healthier image. Here’s a question for you. Do you see a build up of “green” fatigue? I don’t have any research or data to back this up, and could be all wet, but with everything going green these days, I bet consumers would “say” a biodegradeable bag is important, but will this change their buying behavior? How many would choose a bag of SunChips in a biodegradeable bag vs a different kind of chips in a bag made of non-renewable materials?

]]>