4
July
2008
Source: Supermarket News
Published: Thursday, July 03, 2008
LOHAS consumers, or members of the segment that leads a “Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability” when it comes to the foods they put in their body, the things they put on their body and what they put their body into, present a strong opportunity for retailers who are willing to cater to their demands, according to a speaker here last week at the Healthy Foods International Exposition and Conference.
Maryellen Molyneaux, president of the Natural Marketing Institute, described the 40 million members of the segment as brand-loyal and not price-sensitive. LOHAS consumers also typically spend two to three times as much as other consumers in categories where healthy and sustainable options are prevalent.
“This is the customer you want,” Molyneaux told retailer attendees. “When you’ve got them convinced that you’ve got the benefit that they want, or the taste they want or the shopping experience they want, you’ll have them for a lifetime. They are very, very loyal and, even better than that, they influence the rest of the marketplace.”
Molyneaux credits members of the segment with bridging the gap between organic foods and the mainstream.
In 2001, 70% of organic food users were LOHAS shoppers, and in 2007 only 30% were LOHAS shoppers.
“This doesn’t mean there are less LOHAS consumers eating organic, it just means there are more mainstream consumers using organic, because LOHAS [consumers] have helped mainstreamers by being grassroots influencers,” said Molyneaux.
She encouraged retailers interested in courting members of the segment to adopt a holistic approach.
“It’s not about one thing you do, it’s about everything you do,” she said. “These consumers demand the best — not only when it comes to healthy options, but corporate citizenship. This has very much to do with a store’s overall corporate messaging.”
LOHAS consumers spend 133% more in Whole Foods stores than members of other consumer groups, according to Molyneaux. These consumers also prefer shopping at Safeway, Target and Costco stores.
“Safeway has done a very good job of attracting its consumers and making its messaging meaningful across the store, across reporting activities and across promotions,” said Molyneaux.
Wal-Mart stores, on the other hand, attract fewer members of the LOHAS segment.
“It’s because there is a big gap between what [Wal-Mart] says, what they do and what the consumer perceives they do,” said Molyneaux. “There is an amazing amount of information that can help [these consumers] at the brand and retail level.”
Instead, segments of shoppers labeled by NMI as “Naturalites” and “Unconcerned” when it comes to sustainability, are more likely to spend money there, said Molyneaux.
Naturalites comprise 19% of the adult consumer population. Members of the group are more interested in personal health than in the effects their decisions may have on the planet. They spend less than LOHAS consumers and have lower incomes, but “they are a great secondary target” when it comes to merchandising sustainable products, stressed Molyneaux.
About 17% of shoppers are Unconcerned when it comes to sustainability. “The reasons might be age, income or that these consumers just don’t care,” said Molyneaux.
Also tracked by NMI is a group it refers to as “Drifters.” About 25% of consumers fall into this mainstream group, whose members are known for drifting in and out of LOHAS-type activity.
“Members are very driven by trends, and they present huge opportunities when it comes to CFLs [compact fluorescent lightbulbs], recycling and eating healthy foods,” said Molyneaux. “They’re becoming more LOHAS-like.”
Not considered a good target for LOHAS products are “Conventional” shoppers. Members of this group, which comprises nearly one in five shoppers (19%), do engage in ecologically friendly activities, but only when it’s convenient for them.
Lohas.com
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4
July
2008
When you head to the beach this July 4th weekend, make sure you pack a sunscreen that does its job.
Four out of 5 sunscreens don’t give the protection you need, blocking too little of the sun’s harmful UV radiation, or containing ingredients with significant safety concerns.
How does your sunscreen rank? Find out in our newly updated database of nearly 1,000 sunscreens. If yours doesn’t make the cut, find one that does.
http://cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?brand_id=3717&category=sunscreen+spf+15+and+above
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3
July
2008
According to a study by the cosmetic safety database, 86 percent of sunscreens on the market are either ineffective against the sun or raise safety concerns because of their ingredients. Many contain microsized and nano-scale UVA filters with toxic properties, and some contain ingredients that absorb into the blood and may have toxic effects, acting as hormone disruptors, releasing free radicals into the skin, and causing allergic reactions.
Here is a healthy organic option to those nasties………
SunScreen Reflect Outdoor Balm “Miessence Certified Organics”
Description
A water-free nourishing balm with natural minerals that help reflect damaging ultraviolet radiation. Microfine zinc oxide offers protection from harmful rays whilst organic olive oil keeps the skin supple. Potent antioxidants including natural vitamin E, beta carotene and polygonum extract, protect the skin from premature aging and prevent damage caused by the elements.
Why
We all love the outdoors - nothing makes us feel more alive than having fun in the elements. Whether it be pounding through the salty surf, shooshing down powdery ski runs, or just throwing a ball with the kids in the park; if you’re out in the sunshine, you need to protect your skin.
How
Apply generously to skin surfaces exposed to sunlight 20 minutes before exposure. Reapply every two hours. Store below 30oC / 86oF
When
Any time you’re outdoors, exposed to the elements.
Ingredients
* certified organic olea europaea (olive) fruit oilcertified organic olea europaea (olive) fruit oil
* zinc oxidezinc oxide
* capric triglyceridecapric triglyceride
* certified organic butyrospermum parkii (shea) fruit buttercertified organic butyrospermum parkii (shea) fruit butter
* certified organic unrefined cera alba (beeswax)certified organic unrefined cera alba (beeswax)
* avena sativa (oat) kernel flouravena sativa (oat) kernel flour
* mixed tocopherolsmixed tocopherols
* certified organic copernicia prunifera (carnauba) waxcertified organic copernicia prunifera (carnauba) wax
* aroma (proprietary blend of essential oils)aroma (proprietary blend of essential oils)
* certified organic rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extractcertified organic rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract
* dunaliella salina algae extractdunaliella salina algae extract
WHERE TO BUY
http://www.love.mionegroup.com
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3
July
2008
As far as holidays go, Independence Day may not rank as the most eco-sinful, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. Here are a few easy ways to begin getting some green in with your red, white and blue.
Greener Grilling
Resist the temptation to buy conventional hot dogs and hamburgers for the grill. Opt for organic products from your supermarket, or better yet, seek out local, grass-fed meats from a farmer’s market or food co-op. There are great vegetarian options for the grill as well. Try grilled eggplant burgers, grilled pizza, and rum marinated fruit kabobs.
Skip the Disposables
Nothing says “plastic forks and paper plates” quite like the Fourth of July. Picnics, parades and BBQs go hand in hand with disposables, consuming virgin resources and creating heaps of heartache for our exponentially expanding landfills. Consider these alternatives:
1. Invest in reusable bamboo dinnerware and flatware: Durable and comes from a renewable resource.
2. Create a picnic dinnerware set. Buy used items from a thrift store and have them on hand for outdoor entertaining.
3. Serve finger food, and eat with your hands.
4. Bring indoor napkins outside: Cloth napkins save trees and add ambience.
5. Use bagasse plates made from annually renewable sugarcane. Bagasse plates are biodegradable and will completely compost in 45-60 days.
6 Choose paper over foam: Paper comes from trees, foam comes from petroleum.
Drink Organic Beer
While we may not immediately associate beer with agricultural products, we should. By choosing beer made with organic hops, malt and barley, we are reducing the need for toxic and persistent pesticides that harm the soil and contaminate water. Organic beer is increasingly available at organic and natural food retailers and in mainstream supermarkets with organic and natural food sections.
Choose Healthy Sunscreen
Listen to Green Girl: According to a study by the cosmetic safety database, 86 percent of sunscreens on the market are either ineffective against the sun or raise safety concerns because of their ingredients. Many contain microsized and nano-scale UVA filters with toxic properties, and some contain ingredients that absorb into the blood and may have toxic effects, acting as hormone disruptors, releasing free radicals into the skin, and causing allergic reactions. you can buy an organic suncreen here
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1
July
2008
Source: The Hartman Group
Published: Friday, June 27, 2008
A purchase is not just a purchase when consumers believe they are “voting” with their dollars. Approximately 30% of U.S. consumers believe their purchases have greater impact on society than their votes, according to The Hartman Group, a consumer insights and consulting firm based in Bellevue, Washington. With this in mind, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of who (and what) they are empowering with each swipe of the debit card.
While 93% of American consumers desire to live sustainably, the majority struggle with how to do so. Further complicating the picture, companies face challenges in understanding what factors consumers base their sustainability purchases or behaviors on. To help bring into focus the complex picture of sustainability — how it relates to consumers’ everyday lives and translates into purchases — The Hartman Group is announcing a planned new syndicated study, Sustainability Outlook 2008.
“Sustainability is a massive business opportunity. This is driven partly by the cultural shift of consumers wanting to align themselves with companies that share their values. However, there is still a gap between industry initiatives and consumer understanding. Our goal with this study is to provide our clients with the meaningful consumer conversations to close that gap,” said The Hartman Group’s Director of Sustainability, Alison Worthington.
Sustainability Outlook 2008 will be the definitive roadmap plotting consumer behavior and purchases in this new, evolving culture of sustainability. It will examine how consumer perception of companies, brands, products and practices affect consumer behavior. The Hartman Group is actively seeking study sponsors. Sponsors receive results detailing the key drivers of sustainability for their specific product category. It will get specific around notions of where price, packaging and messaging are headed and provide clients with actionable recommendations moving forward. Study sponsorship has significant cost and research benefits. Sponsorship is scheduled to close in July 2008.
“With Sustainability Outlook 2008, we will go beyond media and marketing hype by taking a deep dive into the key product categories tied to companies’ corporate economic, environmental, and social responsibility objectives and long-term sustainability strategic planning,” said Laurie Demeritt, Hartman Group President & COO.
So, what are we waiting for? lets vote ORGANIC and ETHICAL BUSINESS with our DOLLARS!
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28
June
2008
* Battle Over Organic Products Turns Toxic
A $20 billion industry is litigating over what is truly organic
By Tresa Baldas
The National Law Journal, June 24, 2008
Straight to the Source
The organic marketplace is sprouting litigation over fake organic and natural products — some of them harmful — that are being sold to unwitting consumers.
In Missouri, several class actions have been consolidated into one suit against the Aurora Organic Dairy Corp., which is accused of selling bogus organic milk that does not meet federal organic standards. The lawsuit also names several retailers that sold the milk. In Re Aurora Dairy Corp. Organic Milk, No. 4:08MD01907 (E.D. Mo.).
In California, the state attorney general recently filed a lawsuit against five companies, including Whole Foods Market Inc., for allegedly selling natural body care and household cleaning products that tested high for a cancer-causing chemical, in violation of state law. California v. Avalon Natural Food Products, No. RG08389960 (Alameda Co., Calif., Super. Ct.).
Also in California, the company that makes Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps is suing 13 competitors for allegedly misusing the organic label on their products and falsely advertising themselves as organic manufacturers. The lawsuit claims the defendants sold and promoted soaps, lotions and other products that are made with conventionally grown crops or chemicals derived from petroleum. All One God Faith v. Ecocert, No. CGC-08-474413 (San Francisco Co., Calif., Super. Ct.).
INTEGRITY COMPROMISED?
At issue in all these suits, lawyers and consumer advocates stressed, is the integrity of the organic industry, which, they claim, is being compromised by opportunists seeking to grab some of the industry’s $20 billion and growing revenue.
“I know that the consumers went to great lengths to create and protect the organic label, and that’s what we’re trying to do now — is to protect the integrity of the label,” said David G. Cox of Lane, Alton & Horst in Columbus, Ohio, who is one of several plaintiffs lawyers involved in the milk class action.
Consumer advocates see litigation as their only hope in protecting the organics label from further damage.
“After years of lobbying and complaints, we finally realized the [U.S. Department of Agriculture] is not going to take care of business, and so did a bunch of class action attorneys. … The power of litigation is our only alternative,” said Ronnie Cummins, national director of the Organics Consumers Association.
Don Downing of St. Louis’ Gray, Ritter & Graham, another plaintiffs lawyer in the milk case, said litigation is essential to protect consumers from being duped into buying fake products.
“We believe that it’s very important that when consumers go to grocery stores and want to purchase organic milk, that the milk they purchase is in fact organic by the standards under federal law,” Downing said.
Mark S. Mester, an attorney in the Chicago office of Latham & Watkins who is representing Aurora, declined comment. Aurora officials have denied any wrongdoing.
“There is absolutely no basis for claims we defrauded consumers by selling milk that isn’t organic — none whatsoever. Aurora Organic Dairy has maintained continuous organic certifications for all of our farms and facilities,” Marc Peperzak, Aurora Organic chairman and CEO, said in a statement.
Agriculture Department officials declined to comment.
The organics industry, meanwhile, is paying close attention to the California litigation as it addresses natural body care and household cleaning products.
Cummins said regulation of natural products is crucial because this is how most consumers, seeking healthier lifestyles, first experiment with natural and organic products. They first dabble with body care products, then move on to organic food.
In the California case, the state attorney general alleges that defendants failed to warn consumers that cleaning products such as body washes and gels and liquid dish soaps contained 1,4-dioxane, a chemical known to cause cancer.
California has a specific statute, known as Proposition 65, which mandates that businesses provide persons with a “clear and reasonable warning” before exposing them to such chemicals.
In addition to violating Proposition 65, the lawsuit alleges that each defendant has engaged in unlawful business practices that constitute unfair competition.
Whole Foods Market spokeswoman Libba Letton said Whole Foods “is cooperating.” She added, “We have conducted our own investigation into the allegations that some of our products contain 1,4-dioxane and do not believe that these products represent a health risk or are in excess of California’s Proposition 65 Safe Harbor level for 1,4-dioxane.”
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27
June
2008
When the U.S. Centers for Disease Control found unusually high levels of hormone-disrupting phthalates in women eight years ago, no one had any idea how ugly the beauty industry really was.
In this episode of EWG’s Mixed Greens podcast, Enviroblog’s Amanda speaks with Stacy Malkan, author of Not Just a Pretty Face. This revealing book recounts the formative years of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, including a chapter on Environmental Working Group’s Jane Houlihan and the development of Skin Deep, our cosmetics safety database.
listen to podcast
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26
June
2008
The deluge of damning information, string of political intricacies and overall ominous tone of the latest documentary by French journalist and director Marie-Monique Robin, “The World According to Monsanto,” should have put us to sleep. But it didn’t. In fact, it kept our stomach literally churning. As one farmer puts it, “The reason they do it is control. They want to control seed. They want to own life. I mean, this is the building blocks of food we are talking about. They are in the process of owning food, all food.” ::More
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24
June
2008
Researchers from Canada followed farms that converted from conventional to organic dairy farming over five years to see if it really is viable and better for farmers; the answer appears to be yes. The study notes that organic farms are more labour intensive with a lot of paperwork involved. Milk production falls, down 10.6%. (It might drop more in the USA where they allow bovine growth hormone). However, costs for fertilizers and antibiotics are wiped out, and veterinary costs are cut in half, saving almost $2,000 per cow. ::More
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23
June
2008
Phthalates are endocrine disruptors linked to problems of the reproductive system, including decreased sperm motility and
concentration in men and genital abnormalities in baby boys. (Oh, and did you know that average sperm counts have decreased
significantly since the 1940’s?) More recently they’ve also been linked to asthma and allergies.
How can I minimise my exposure?
Avoid these, and you’ll also be avoiding phthalates:
1. Nail polish: Dibutyl phthalate is often used to make nail polish chip-resistant. Look for it on the ingredients list, where it may
be shortened to DBP.
2. Plastics in the kitchen: Take a critical eye to your cupboards. Phthalates may be more likely to leach out of plastic when it’s
heated, so avoid cooking or microwaving in plastic.
3. Vinyl toys: Phthalates are what make vinyl (PVC) toys soft, so don’t give them to children. Opt instead for wooden and other
phthalate-free toys, especially during that age when they put everything in their mouths!
4. Paint: Paints and other hobby products may contain phthalates as solvents, so be sure to use them in a well-ventilated
space.
5. Fragrance: Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is often used as part of the “fragrance” in some products. Since DEP won’t be listed
separately, you’re better off choosing personal care products, detergents, and cleansers that don’t have the word “fragrance” on
the ingredients list.
6. Vinyl: Vinyl shows up in a lot of different products; lawn furniture, garden hoses, building materials, and items of clothing (like
some raincoats) are often sources. Aside from carefully choosing materials when you’re making purchases, there is one easy
change you can make: switch to a non-vinyl shower curtain. That “new shower curtain” smell (you know the one) is a result of
chemical off-gassing, and it means your shower curtain is a source of phthalates in your home.
7. Air Fresheners: Just like fragrances in personal care products, most air fresheners contain phthalates.
Read the Full Story: http://www.enviroblog.org/2008/05/cheatsheet-phthalates.htm
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