March 10, 2010
Method ‘Green’ Household Cleaners Try to Take Market Share from Clorox
Method’s “green” household cleaning products made from non-toxic, plant-based materials have made their way onto the shelves of dozens of retailers including Target, Whole Foods and Lowe’s, reports Forbes.com. But they have a lot of competition from Clorox and Procter & Gamble, as well as smaller competitors Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyers Clean Day.
Method’s products are stocked at 160 retailers across the U.S. and are available in Canada, England, Australia, France and Japan, on Amazon.com and its own Web site.
The maker of “green” bathroom cleaners, dish soap and hand soap….
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Reader Comments
Method, like many companies that are in business to help the Earth and society, is at a disadvantage in some ways. If it wants to raise capital by selling stock, it would then be beholden to its shareholders. Method puts greater value on being environmentally friendly than in increasing profits but shareholders could accuse them of not wisely using the funds they provided Method when they purchased its stock.
Ben and Jerry’s was forced to sell their company despite objections from the founders. The stockholders demanded that the ice cream company sell because it increased the value of their shares. The unbelievable fact in all of this is that businesses are legally required to increase profits and shareholders can sue them if they do not pursue the best financial outcome.
There are currently bills in both CA and VT that would change these laws but until then, Method and other socially responsible firms should think twice about going public.
Matt Courtland of The Natural Strategy | March 10th, 2010
The awareness about environment and sustainability is increasing among the consumers. Even though the economic recession was bad from most perspectives, it helped people think about the past, benefits of frugal living, socially responsible buying and spending, etc. Especially, the generation is Y is thinking about environment, green technologies and natural products. This trend will certainly help the small, green organizations improve their reach. Large, established organizations will also be forced to think in the right direction in long term.
Paddu G | November 6th, 2010