Let's be honest: everyone loves the idea of "saving the planet," but when the price tag shows 30% more, that eco-conscious spirit sometimes takes a little tumble, right? I know exactly how that feels. The other day, at the supermarket, I saw a detergent labeled *“100% biodegradable, made with love and happy orange peels.”* Adorable! But it cost almost twice as much as the regular one. I stood there, holding the bottle, trying to convince my brain that the planet was worth the investment—while my bank account was screaming, “Think twice, Mariana!”
In the end, I bought the eco-friendly detergent. And guess what? The sink smelled great, my hands didn't dry out, and I was the sustainable version of myself. But of course, that small doubt crept in: does this really make a difference, or is this just green marketing wearing an eco halo?
The *Light Green Institute* suggests-yes, that is a thing, and no, it is not a nail polish brand-that while 68% of people *say* they want to consume more sustainably, only 22% actually pay more for it. And in all honesty, that makes sense: in a world where even your coffee comes with a service charge, paying more to pollute less can sound like a luxury.
But perhaps the problem is not the price, but how we envision consumption. I realized that by not buying ten useless things, I could afford one that would last much longer and be less harmful to the environment. I think of that organic cotton T-shirt that cost an arm and a leg but is still going strong on wash number 20, unlike those fast-fashion pieces that fade just from staring at the washing machine.
Who hasn't bought a cheap product thinking they were saving money, only to replace it a week later? Exactly. Sometimes the "expensive" option ends up being cheaper in the long run.
Of course, it's not all black and white-or green on green. Some brands ride the eco-friendly wave only for marketing points. A little skepticism is healthy, of course. The goal isn't to become some kind of eco-monk who lives off air and gratitude, but rather to think twice before buying. You have already made a huge step by reducing waste.
But being asked today if I'd pay more for an eco-friendly product, my answer would be: it depends. If it's real, if it makes a difference, and isn't just some cute label trying to fool me—then yes, I'll pay more. Because, deep down, the planet is the only "product" we can't replace once it's broken. And you? Will you open your wallet a little more now, so you won't have to open your eyes to a ruined planet later?