The world has changed considerably since the introduction of the internet, and one of the biggest changes is that consumers are better able to find companies with a commitment to ecologically-friendly production methods. There are only a handful of American companies that have achieved zero landfill status, but increased emphasis on sustainable logging and building practices have given eco-friendly companies an edge worldwide. Companies that focus on fair trade, for example, have posted impressive gains in the last several years. The term “fair trade” refers to the practice of ensuring that coffee and chocolate producers, for example, located in developing nations are paid a living wage. Internationally, the minimum price for chocolate is $150 per ton, but companies that are fair trade certified pay $1,750 or more per ton.
There has been a fair amount of press about the apathy of younger Americans. Millennials are supposed to be internet addicts who have perfected the art of slacking, but the truth is that younger consumers are more likely to buy from companies that are committed to sustainable, eco-friendly values. The sales of wooden wrist watches have increased in the last several years: consumers want to buy beautiful objects that they know do not deal damage to the environment. There are wooden watches for women from Hawaii that use native Koa wood. The potential for ecologically-responsible companies to find dedicated consumers will continue to rise in the next several years: the internet allows companies to market to buyers around the world.
Wooden watches for women are becoming more popular as younger consumers tire of what they often refer to as a disposable culture. There are many products that almost seem like they are designed to wear out: women’s fashion is typically made from much thinner material than men’s clothing. The idea is that clothing is something that women buy and soon discard, according to the latest fashion trends. Wooden watches for women and real leather products are appealing to younger buyers not just as fashion trends, but as an investment in sustainability and the environment. Natural wood watches have also been featured recently on fashion runways around the world.
While only a small percentage of international coffee, wood, and chocolate trade can be classified as fair trade, the trend is toward wooden watches for women as a symbol of buyer’s commitment to sustainable logging practices. Wooden watches can be a great conversation starter about environmental issues. In general, younger buyers state that they are much more likely to buy products from companies that they can relate to: social media may seem like a waste of time, but the potential to raise consumers’ consciousness cannot be denied. Along with videos and family photos, billions of social media users share information about politics, money, and the environment.
There are more than 1 billion watches sold every year, and as consumers “vote with their dollars,” the probability is that more companies will offer Hawaiian wood watches and wooden watches for men and women. Time may be fleeting, but Millennials’ commitment to the environment is going to endure – and may change the face of the American economy in the long-term. Companies are more than willing to abide by sustainable manufacturing processes, and consumers are willing to support ecologically-friendly businesses.
