why are environmentally friendly products twice or thrice more expensive?

Question

is someone making money out of the gullibles?

Answer 1

Same rationale as why new products are expensive...they don't have the base market yet and therefor production is high (yeah it's a lot less expensive to mass produce!).

Answer 2

You're right, it is in some cases, but not all. I've noticed that several of the paper towels and toilet paper that are "green" now cost within a few cents of their counterparts. Same for eco-friendly soap it appears.

The farmer's markets I've been to in Seattle and Chicago do make your point, but I think it's because of the economics of going "green", not an effort at price gouging.

Lets say a farmer opts to become environmentally responsible. This means a sudden shift in his farming practices, methods and returns. So now his carrot patch is much more earth friendly and producing a better product. Yet he might be only getting 750 carrots from an acre instead of say 1,000 carrots following his previous system. Thus he know has to charge 25% more per carrot to stay even.

With things like light bulbs and solar panels I think there is a little "voodoo economics" going on there, but they do recoup their added costs quickly in most cases.

Answer 3

There are many reasons why environmentally friendly products cost a considerable amount more than those that are not friendly.

One reason is that less people are willing to pay more for these items at this time. Because less people are purchasing the items, the items are being made on a smaller batch basis. When purchasing the raw ingredients on a smaller scale the ingredients cost more per item... just as if you were to purchase one single serve can of pop at your local convenience store, it would cost more per can to purchase them individually than it would to purchase a 6 pack... and more individually when purchasing a 6 pack then when purchasing a 12 pack and so forth.

Also, many environmental products are in their infancy. Generally the first time that one manufactures a product it costs more as the actual process has a learning curve. With time those that manufacture products tweak the process as they find simpler and more efficient ways of making the same product.

Another reason is that the start of costs for a company doing everything in an environmentally friendly way is more than one who is willing to spill various forms of pollution into our air and water. Once the facility is securely in place the production costs will go down... Also when more businesses start using the correct equipment to ensure a more environmentally friendly facility, those that make the equipment will be able to produce that equipment on a larger basis so those products will become less expensive, and that price break will be passed all the way down to the consumer.

Basically, it all starts and ends with us. As consumers we need to be willing to pay more now in order for the prices to come down... Of course the bigger payoff will be for our children, etc.

Answer 4

Why is new I-Pod more expensive? Or a new Xbox? Until there is competition or sales stall, prices tend to be higher on new products.

Sometimes, like CFL bulbs, the manufacturing process is much more costly than incandescent bulbs (sometimes this happens in manufacturing due to royalty payments on patents that haven't expired).

I bought my first CFL bulbs in the early 1980's. They cost more then than now per bulb. On an inflation-adjusted basis, the bulbs today are really cheap, much cheaper than 20 years ago. Plus, they save you more than the cost of the bulb over its lifetime as compared to incandescent bulbs. All in all, that is a bargain.

Answer 5

some companies are start up and are probably priced higher...use method products. You can buy them at Target and they are on sale quite often. They are environmental, no toxics and they work really great. Also, Arm and Hammer has made a new detergent with plant based soaps. Its great for me because its priced right and cleans well with no phosphates or other things that linger in the environment.

Answer 6

Every one would "go green" if they could afford it. I understand that the CFL lightbulbs save you money in the long run, but it is crazy to have to spend so much money on cleaning products with no chemicals and organic food. Don't get me wrong, I would love to afford these products, but with all the extra time I would have to spend at work and extra gas getting to a store that accually sells these products, and even if I ordered online, just how much gas does the UPS truck use? They can't get good gas milage! Are we doing more harm while we are trying to do good?

Answer 7

Related to Jen P's answer: Energy Efficient light bulbs last about 7 years, while regular incandescent light bulbs last closer to 6 months....
$5*/7 years ($5*/84 months = about 5.95 cents a month) vs. $1.50** for a pkg. of 4, which is 37.5 cents per bulb* (37.5 cents*/6 months = 6.25 cents a month)

(I know Jen P said they're $7, but in the price comparison, I said they're $5 because, earlier this week, I bought one--which wasn't on sale--for $5.)

So, in the long run, they save you a little money.

* estimated purchase price
** estimated purchase price for a pkg. of 4

Answer 8

It really ticks me off when I would LOVE to be able to buy the more "environment-friendly" products but with the rising prices of everything in the store due to the rising cost of the gas needed to transport everything TO the store, it just makes me so mad. I really can't afford those cool products.

Answer 9

Because someone packaged them for you. The truth is, you can make almost any cleaner from environmental friendly ingredients yourself. Baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, etc. Just do a search and start making your own home cleaners; very economical!

Answer 10

Anything regional. Champagne, Stilton cheese, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies.