U.S. – China Greener Consumption Forum: Power of the Purse to Protect the Planet

I strongly believe in the expression that we vote every time we choose how we spend our money – whether that is buying one product over another or opting to not buy anything at all. We vote on public and private policies. We vote on belief systems. We vote on integrity. We vote with our purses, and I mean that literally since most of the consumer purchasing power in this country belongs to women.

US - China Greener Consumption Forum

U.S. – China Greener Consumption Forum

On March 22, for the first time, people – leading consumer advocates, green entrepreneurs, scientists and public policy specialists – from the United States and China will come together at the World Bank in Washington D.C. to demonstrate the power of their collective purse through the U.S. – China Greener Consumption Forum. Why is this so important?

  • In the U.S., women influence at least 80% of all consumer decisions.
  • In China, women contribute about half of all household income and influence more than half of all purchasing decisions.
  • Two two “consumer super powers” who rely heavily on women to make purchasing decisions. What better way to reach those who can make a real difference on climate change and the environment through their power of the purse?
  • This event brings women together to lead the way for positive change and a healthier planet for us all. Participants in the forum are not only ready to make change happen, but they are ready to inspire and motivate others to do so as well!

What Will This Conversation Around Harnessing the Power of the Purse Look Like?

It begins with the impressive list of speakers that will be attending the forum. From the Director of Product Marketing for EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program to the Coalition Manager for the Plastic Pollution Coalition to the most recent former Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, all speakers have power and experience behind their names to bring to the table.

Speakers will be targeting certain topics, including:

  • Highlighting the need to include gender equity in sustainability strategies.
  • Review innovative campaigns that achieved significant changes in consumer behavior, including those that have helped reduce consumption.
  • Showcasing companies that have successfully launched new green products in response to consumer demand.
  • Explore opportunities for women to emerge as the entrepreneurial engine behind the global green economy.

How Do I Join In The Conversation?

What Can I Do Outside the Forum?

  • Educate yourself and others with the best resources available.
  • Like the official Facebook page and join in the continued the conversation there after the event.
  • Become conscientious buyers. Think about the imprint a purchase makes on the world through its production, use, and after it no longer has any.
  • As always, share, share, share. If we can all touch one person, think of the impact this event could make!

What do you hope comes from this forum?
Were you aware that Chinese women share the burden to do better by our planet the same way we do?
Are you concerned about the horrific pollution in places like Beijing affects our own weather patterns?
What is one question you would like to ask the speakers of this forum if you had the chance?

Comments

U.S. – China Greener Consumption Forum: Power of the Purse to Protect the Planet — 9 Comments

  1. I’m psyched to attend this forum and hear these awesome speakers. Will be tweeting and posting on Facebook so check and chat with us!

  2. Thanks so much for letting your community know about this important event. Women in China and the U.S. have so much power to make a difference! This Forum is just the beginning of the conversation. I hope many of your readers will follow the proceedings on Twitter and contribute their own thoughts.

  3. It is a discussion that will be so exciting to see unfold. @Karen Lee and I will be front and center to bring this conversation to your readers. Simply follow the hashtag #USChinaGreenForum and #gsgf13.

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