Holiday Shoppers Favor Organic Products
According to a recent study by Packaged Facts, U.S. supermarket sales of environmentally sustainable or “ethical” products will rise about 8.7 percent in 2009 to nearly $38 billion, proving that despite the recession, holiday shoppers will still favor eco-friendly goods.
According to the Organic Trade Association, sales of organic goods rose 17 percent to $24.6 billion in 2008. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
But while you may not have a fresh farmers market in your area, the sustainable trend is catching on, as major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Safeway and Target are picking up eco-friendly organic foods and local produce. While the economy is still shaky, sales of basic necessities were actually on the rise this year.
According to Reuters, “Americans spent a total of $511.9 billion on groceries at drugstores, supermarkets and mass retailers in 2008. So far this year shoppers have spent 1.9 percent more than the same period a year ago.”
And the organics market takes a chunk of those billions. In a recently updated Organic Market Overview, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports the market for organic foods is now “mainstream,” with organic sales accounting for more than 3 percent of total U.S. food sales.
“I’m definitely thinking about buying some organic food for my family this year,” says Guy Berry, 26, as he shops at a Phoenix Fry’s grocery store. “There’s not much of a price difference, and I want to make sure that my family has healthy food.”
This season, take the time to look for eco-friendly alternatives when shopping for your holiday basics. Your favorite fruits and vegetables taste great in organic form. You can find local, organic options by searching for farmers’ markets, family farms, community-supported agriculture programs and U-Pick options in your area.
Also, be mindful of the packaging that your produce is in. What materials does your curbside or local recycling program accept? Look for food packaging that will be recyclable and easy-to-dispose of down the road.
