Idea generation is stimulated by what one sees. When watching i-Robot starring Will Smith, everyone saw self-driven cars and robots, making both ideas less foreign to the average person. Although the premise behind the movie wasn’t as favorable for robots, people became even more familiar with the concept. Now, after a series of shows and movies highlighting the benefits of the simplest robot to complex robots that complete difficult tasks, the average person has a comfort level with that more advanced technology.
It’s now a trend to embrace the idea of the self-driven car and soon some will own those cars, eventually leading to a trend of owning self-driven vehicles. Another trend that’s been established because of what the public is exposed to is the use of barnwood or reclaimed wood doors. This type of wood for doors is often seen in the sliding door suspended on visible black metal rails. This trend, like all others, considers the change in thinking and embraces it. The public went from abhorring roughly hewn wood to loving it. Now, barnwood is used extensively in new homes and renovations.
As time passes, the trends vary. Today, everyone is concerned about ecology. Environmental concerns show up in our garbage collection and disposal methods, in our selection of sustainable products for furnishings and construction materials, and in our choice of types of energy used to cool and heat our homes. It’s only natural for that concern to extend into areas that are less obvious destroyers of the environment.
Areas such as our jewelry making may seem innocuous. Yet, jewelry is one of the many ways that the consumer demonstrates their respect for the sanctity of a clean environment. Instead of chasing beauty without concern for the creative process, many consumers are now focusing on the origins of gemstones. Knowing that clearly defines the conditions the miners and jewelry makers worked under in creating that jewelry. Transparency is paramount to some consumers. They want to know how their jewelry was made and under what conditions.
Eco-friendly Practices are a Trend in Many Consumer Categories
Sustainable consumerism allows us all to look forward to an extensive future on this earth. If we all make small sacrifices now, there will be an abundant future to look forward to. Supporting this effort, we all need to take specific steps:
- Buy less of whatever you want and focus on buying what you need. This cuts down on waste and increases your financial capacity to afford the unforeseen expenditures that are needed to keep the world clean and functioning well
- Recycle everything that can be reused: plastic, glass, and tires. Taking advantage of ways to eliminate waste such as thrifting and regifting, just to name two ideas that work wonders in reducing waste
- Upcycling takes that old and useless item and turns it into something others would pay a lot to own. Taking waste and turning it into art is something two famous artists now do regularly. Jane Perkins uses her textile degree to create artworks using sewing findings to create images of famous people like Marilyn Monroe. While Makaon, a Japanese origami artist, uses discarded soda cans to make sculptures of cartoon characters: Pokémon, Hello Kitty, etc.
- Use the greener solution to everything. Shop at the farmer’s market. Use biodegradable household cleaners, shop at thrift stores and consignment shops, rent household tools from your neighbors, and transform old things into new and usable items. Instead of putting your coffee into a disposable paper cup, use your metal insulated thermos. Rather than burning your household lights all night, turn them off and use them only when really needed. Employ little practiced concepts to save energy and limit waste whenever possible
- Make smarter buying choices. Instead of buying the latest technology, buy cell phones that serve the needs of you and yours for a decade instead of until the new model is released
By making certain decisions about how you want to live, you and others will attract attention. This behavior could set a new trend and it may be featured in a movie that attracts even more attention, solidifying it as the new national trend.
