Today, on the way to the Open House I was holding in Rancho Santa Margarita, I stopped to pick up a case of bottled water. People cruising through lots of houses can work up a thirst and always seem to appreciate getting a nice cold bottle of water.
While at the grocery store, I first picked up a case of the store brand water that was on sale. Then, I saw the new-shaped Arrowhead water bottles I'd seen advertised on TV. I put the store brand back on the shelf and opted for the Arrowhead water because I think it's worth an extra 50 cents per case to be more eco-friendly.
The hourglass shape of the bottle makes it easier to hold. But, more importantly, it's the lightest weigh ½ liter bottle ever produced (according to a national survey). More information is available at www.arrowheadwater.com/ecoshape. This isn't a big thing, but it's a lot of small things that can make a difference in the carbon footprint we leave on planet earth.
I was willing to pay a few pennies more for a product that is kinder to the environment. This seems to be a trend in the area of home purchases too here in Orange County. There are many folks making conscious efforts to be more eco-friendly. Many home buyers that I meet are beginning to move energy use and energy efficiency of the home up on their scale of priorities in searching for homes. I can't say that I've had buyers willing to pay more for it, but it certainly is a tipping point in choosing between two similar homes - one energy efficient vs. one without energy saving improvements.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR® 800 777-1775
South Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce
Marlene is a highly experienced South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
 |
|
|
Providing superior Real Estate service in the South Orange County California cities of Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Laguna Niguel.
Norm's - An Old Fashioned Coffee Shop and Orange County Favorite
What To Do With The Pets While Your Home Is For Sale in Orange County, California
New Must Have in Orange County, California - Outdoor Rooms
Update on Proposed Senate Bill on Transfer Tax on Home Sales in California
The Price of Safety in Orange County California - Improving The Long and Winding Road
If You Are Thinking About Selling Your Orange County Home - You Must Read This
One of Laguna Beaches Finest Offerings - Aliso Creek Beach Park
New Newport Beach Address For Old Santa Ana Heights
Chamber News - South Orange County Regional Chambers of Commerce Board Retreat
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
Great post- it is the little things that we do that help the environment. I am sure that your 50 cents goes alot further than we all can imagine.
Hi Marlene. It's true- and marketing companies are figuring it out.
It doesn't just work for the environment, but for any type of social justice.
Just about every time I meet my friend at Starbucks to hang out, I end up buying a bottle of water from a company that helps build new wells. It's a more expensive bottle of water, but it's easy to justify.
Hi there,
Nice post and good for you. It's amazing how thin these things really are, isn't it? And yes, I would pay more, truthfully a liite more, but probably not a lot more. 50 cents would be just fine with me.
Jamie - Thanks so much for yur kind comment. I'm grateful that 50 cents will not upset the budget and that I am able to make this kind of choice.
Joey - You're right that a lot of it is marketing and preying upon our social conscience. But, the end result is causing companies ultimately to do the right thing even if it's profit-motivated.
Lynda - Like you, I'm happy to pay a little difference, but I do have my limits.
Marlene - Well, I am in the ozone. I had no idea. Great info - next on my list of stuff to buy and keep a ready supply. Thanks! Great green tip!
Jeff
Hi Marlene - good info and thanks for sharing~! I think buyers WILL pay more for energy efficiency because month to month it saves them money. Let's face it -- most buyers finance their purchases and as energy bills decrease they have more to invest in other places...Great post! (and good for you for doing the right thing! As Dena says!)
Marlene,
We have two cases of these delivered each month to my little office. Clients love them. Me too, because my service sales guy doesn't charge me more for them. Am I cheap?
Mike in Tucson
Jeff - Glad to pass this info along.
Mary - I think you're right. I think most people will pay a little more if they believe they will continue to enjoy benefits in time to come.
Mike - I don't think you're cheap. I think you're a good businessman!
Great post Marlene,
I do agree with Lynda though. People will pay a little extra to be eco-friendly as long as they aren't inconvenienced and as long as it's only a little. Most of the public has started to be more conscious of the impact that they are making but most are not going to go way out of their way to do that. I heard on NPR that Clorox is coming out with a new line "Green Works" that will be hitting the shelves pretty soon. It will be in the same price range as everything else so hopefully that will start taking off. Has anyone else heard of this product?
Hi Meris - Yes, I did hear a quick blurb on talk radio, but haven't seen any marketing or any product yet.
This comment is a little late but in some cases if we can forgo the convenience of individual bottles-ie using the big container on a stand, using washable instead of throw-away cups to drink, with we can put even less plastic into the landfills. I know this isn't always feasible though.
Marlene, what energy efficient features are your potential buyers and buyers most interested in?
Marlene,
That is a great post. My only question to the company is; The bottle costs less to make since it has less material. Why should you have to pay more?
It is nice to see companies working toward the betterment of the planet. Someday hopefully this will be the norm and not the exception.
I agree with you entirely. At this point paying a few pennies more to save the earth for our grandchildren is imperative.