HARLEYSVILLE, Pa.—Consumers spent almost $300 billion on products and services in the Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) market in 2008, according to a new report released by the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI). The figure encompasses:
- Personal Health: $117 billion (includes natural/organic food, personal care, supplements, etc.)
- Green Building: $100 billion (includes certified homes, Energy Star appliances, etc.)
- Alternative Transportation: $20 billion (includes hybrids, diesel vehicles, electric vehicles, car sharing, etc.)
- Eco-tourism: $42 billion (includes travel spent on excursions in nature)
- Natural Lifestyles: $10 billion (includes home furnishings, apparel, etc.)
- Alternative Energy $1 billion (renewable power)
NMI released the report in conjunction with Earth Day. “The first Earth Day was 40 years ago and the green marketplace was just taking shape,” commented Gwynne Rogers, NMI LOHAS business director. “Today, a majority of consumers are incorporating environmental considerations into their day-to-day lives—not just attitudinally, but by voting behaviorally with their dollars by spending $290 billion on goods and services that are environmentally-friendly, socially responsible and/or healthy.”
