Are Black Folks Going Green?

It seems to me that the eco/organic trend has captured the media’s attention almost as much as the escapades of Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears (yawn). In the last few months almost every magazine I’ve looked at has eco this-or-that on it’s front cover. This got me thinking – are African Americans getting caught up in eco mania as well? It seems that we’re not only interested, but in some cases leading the pack. The April 2007 issue of Black Enterprise has a very interesting survey on organic food. The article says African Americans are more likely to buy organic than the general population.

I hope this survey finds it’s way into the hands of the marketers of some of the big name organic manufacturers and sellers because I don’t believe they make much, if any, effort to speak to us. I’d love to see their products in more of the stores where we’re shopping in and to see those stores doing more to connect with our communities.

In addition, a 2003 study regarding African Americans and environmental issues found that we’re more likely than whites to make lifestyle choices in favor of the environment and we’re just as likely to belong to environmental groups. The study, entitled “Dispelling Old Myths: African American Concern for the Environment,” was conducted by Paul Mohai, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources.

And one last note, this month’s Vogue has quite a few interesting articles on (very expensive) organic fashions. My question is when is someone going to make organic clothes that are not only as wearable and beautiful as the Vogue items but also affordably priced? I’d love to go green but can I get something in my price range?