The environment is trending. With concerns continuing to grow for the planet, eco-friendly innovations are popping up in many aspects of life. Companies are initializing sustainable practices, while consumers are becoming eco-savvy and willing to invest in eco-friendly products. To track the growing sustainability movement, we are bringing back the Eco-Friendly Trends Report on our blog with four trend reports throughout 2016. We will go over a range of topics, including Home Design, Lifestyle, Technology and more. Without further ado, let’s talk green:
Travel Trends:
Eco-friendly travel and green tourism continue to trend as we move closer to spring break. While more and more hotels are following more sustainable practices, an alternative for allowing us to monitor our ecological footprint is the “peer-to-peer” hospitality concept, where travelers can book private accommodations around the world hosted by locals. In addition to having a unique lodging experience, this community-driven method of travel promotes more efficient use of resources through sharing and using only what one needs. In a study by Cleantech Group, leading company Airbnb has contributed to a significant reduction in energy and water use, waste and greenhouse gas emissions with their guests.
In addition to lodging, green tourism is also taking hold in restaurants. The National Restaurant Association has identified sustainability initiatives as one of 2015’s hottest industry trends. We can expect to see more sustainable seafood option and more responsibly raised and locally grown ingredients, in addition to decreases in food waste and energy use.
Home Design Trends:
LED lighting has become a fast-growing eco-friendly trend in homes – and no we’re not talking about LED lights at raves. The compact, sleek LED bulbs used at home are much more energy efficient than standard incandescent and CFL bulbs.
It’s not just about the type of lights, but also how they are manipulated. LED lights are being used as decorative lighting fixtures to transform bedrooms, living spaces and bathrooms with color, shapes, lines and accents. With a combination of energy efficiency and décor potential, LED lights are sure to have long-term staying power.
In addition to reclaimed wood and recycled materials, cork, bamboo, recycled metal, ceramic and rubber are becoming trendy flooring materials in kitchen and bathroom design. People are using metal alloys, concrete, and fiber and incorporating fresh materials to create stunning modern furniture.
Technology Trends
In just the United States alone, at least 180,000 families are living off-grid—that is, they are using energy sources outside of power companies—and this number continues to increase each year. Solar technology, likewise, continues to break new records and finds its way into our homes. A new technological innovation in home solar power is a rechargeable home battery, like the Powerwall introduced by Tesla and the plug-and-play storage system from Orison. These stored energy sources can charge up electricity generated by solar cells and then serve as a backup supply during evening hours. The upfront costs for this energy storage trend can be high, but this green trend makes it more possible than ever for people to live off the grid system and find that balance of eco-awareness and financial independence. We think that having a sustainable system for storing energy is just the beginning and can open up many doors for green living.
Transportation Trends:
It’s now easier than ever to find an electric car (EVs) that fits your needs and budget. With the recent unveiling of the all-electric compact Chevy Bolt and announcements from Tesla and GM to produce long-range, affordable EVs at $30,000 or less, this could be a pivotal movement for the EV trend. While interest in EVs has not increased in the past few years, the number of millennials willing to buy an EV are increasing, and as the costs of owning an EV continue to lower, EV adoption will no doubt accelerate.
On a smaller scale, there is also a growing trend for electric scooters. Compact, mobile, and emitting less greenhouse gases than automobiles, electric scooters – along with electric cars, ride-sharing and bike-sharing – are leading to the creation of more sustainable urban areas.
As we continue to see new eco-friendly trends unfold and other green trends maturing and reaching game-changing moments, one thing is for certain – sustainability is in and there are now more ways than ever to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. What eco-friendly trends are you seeing? Let us know on Facebook!
