Use of Bottled Water May Result in Disqualification

Toyota- Glass of Water Campaign.

Just about anything can be an iPhone app. I am still as fascinated with iPhones as I was with the Nokia 3360 in middle school.

Growing concerns about the environment encourages individuals to do their part in any small or big way possible. Of course black is the new black and will forever and always be the new black, but the concept holds merit when applied to being green. There is a growing demand for greener products and corporations are responding by scrambling around to meet this demand without sacrificing aesthetics.

Whereas many other businesses have resorted to a kind of "revolutionary backtracking" (I only call it that because it's a backtrack from our "convenient, on-the-go, disposable, yet elaborate-packaging" lifestyle, to a "(in)convenient, reusable, made out of corn, feels like banana paper, simple" way of life.
But this market assures consumers that these materials are better for the earth. It has even been heavily marketed to parents, mostly mothers who foster customer loyalty in their families and extended networks.

But such marketing is geared towards the higher end clientele on the spectrum of potential buyers. Research and development related to sustainability is kicking off, but still in its infant stages compared to the desperate state of the planet. Technology embracing the green ideology tends to be more expensive and less available. Let's also not forget about the common (mis)perception of eco-friendly products as compromising quality and/or practicality. It would be unreasonable to push "compromising" products to a lower-income market. But green is everywhere. Grocery store patrons are soon expected to provide for their own bags, use of bottled water is slowly becoming frowned upon, and consumers are being pushed to buy organic products rather than cheaper goods from who-knows-where. In the short run, these practices are a hassle to individuals; the promise of a better planet in the long run, is where the diamond lies.

But diamonds are expensive. Even if everyone wants a sustainable planet, not everyone could afford these changes-- say, hybrid cars (cough, debatable). With low resale value and a price that can put an extra dent or two in consumers' pockets, the typical customer may find another vehicle to be of better value and well worth their penny. Yep, diamonds are nice, but they're pricey and generally for the wealthy. ...like the iPhone.

Soon companies will need to find ways other than reusable bags to incorporate low income individuals in being sustainable too.