Marketing Home Products

The collaboration between Catalan designer Marti Guixe and Finnish culinary expert Antto Melasniemi takes cooking to another level. Their solar kitchen restaurant for beer brand lapin kulta presents non-traditional experiences by examining the relationship between food and nature. Think kitchens of the future, but better.

photo via designboom

This environmental project has no boundaries, and it tests peoples’ patience and flexibility. On days with sunshine, the kitchen is able to serve something like barbecue, an entrée that requires high heat and hours of cooking. With less than favorable weather, the restaurant must adapt with meals that may be prepared with low temperatures, such as salads.

The solar restaurant takes a little more effort to run than a traditional restaurant with expensive equipment and prep time; however, the benefits of using the sun for cooking far outweigh the challenges. Apparently, time sequences that are much more progressive affect food processing, which changes the taste and texture of prepared foods when compared with traditional way of cooking. These techniques present a completely different tasting experience.

Held in 12 locations thus far, the lapin kulta solar restaurant was first presented in 2011 at Milan Design Week and is traveling this summer to visit a range of cities in Europe from August 4^th to August 14^th. If only they were coming to the states!

In theory, Green products have a large consumer base. Saving water, energy, forests, and our planet are noble goals that many people have embraced. Because there are so many ways to “go green,” people often do so in varying degrees. Some consumers are satisfied with replacing their light bulbs, and others save the forest by reusing shopping bags. But there is an emerging demographic of people who help save the planet in multiple ways.

“Super greenies,” a new hyper breed of green movement followers, have done more than their fair share in conservation, earning them the coveted status symbol as the ultimate “do-gooders.” In fact, although a mere fraction of the population (about 5% of Americans), these fervent greenies participate in more than 10 environmentally friendly activities on a regular basis. Everything from their locally grown vegetables to their organic fiber clothing represents what 21^st century consciousness is about. In a nation of consumerism and egocentricity, the “super greenies” stand at the frontlines of the war to save our planet.

Giving back to Mother Earth is what the super greenie is all about. This isn’t difficult seeing as many Americans in this category occupy the highest earning bracket in our nation,

earning typically more than $150,000 annually. Their spending power and motivational drive is what makes them a lucrative demographic to many new companies pitching green products and services. Knowing the super greenie is an important aspect in knowing where to fund green advertising. Some cities are more environmentally conscious than others. Concentrating advertising efforts in west coast cities such as San Diego and Seattle could prove more viable in the push for environmentally friendly products.

Super greenies hunger for the latest and greatest in energy saving technology. Their aims lie more in long-term investment and less on short-term savings. A $40 light bulb may have less of a sticker shock to the super greenie. Knowing that light bulb could last 35 years is the only payoff they need. Their high income and typical left-wing ideologies also make them politically influential to the average consumer. This trickle down effect can mean big bucks to companies trying to push their new low flow toilets or LED light bulbs. The future of the green movement may rest heavily on the super greenies. It is important for brands to recognize their power and to cater their messages to the environmentally conscious.

They consume online media, including online newspapers, TV, and radio, more frequently and are more likely to spend time on social networking sites than the average American.

So where’s all this new green technology headed? Just look to those advertisers pitching to the “super greenies.” Chances are, a few years from now, the typical consumer will be using these innovative energy saving products.

Habitat for Humanity has routinely been on the front lines helping those in need. But they also provide housing that helps the environment. Using sustainable construction techniques, 55 Habitat homes will be built in the San Antonio area this year, all of which meet LEED standards. Habitat for Humanity’s definition of sustainability is “providing housing for people with methods, products and processes that create healthy homes and communities that are less expensive to operate, more durable, and that conserve resources throughout construction and after.” Using this philosophy, Habitat has proved the value of green building – not only is it good for the environment but it can be affordable as well. The organization provides homes at cost to families in need. By seeking out sustainable and energy efficient products that are comparable in price to their traditional counterparts, Habitat is able to keep the cost of a home low. In addition, the construction practices and energy efficient products make the home less expensive to operate on a yearly basis. In recognition of their sustainability efforts to build Smart Energy houses, CPS Energy will honor the organization at this year’s Greater San Antonio Builders Association Summit Awards.

Congratulations to Habitat for Humanity on their recognition as a leader in sustainable building. Their philosophies and practices prove that sustainable can be affordable and can make a family’s future brighter.