An Interconnected World Community
As mentioned in Chapter 8, there are five entity-partners that are interconnected parts of the New Leaf World ‘Marketplace.’ You and I, as members of the conscious consumer’s demographic group, make the existence of the ‘Marketplace’ possible.
Socially conscious consumers are a fast growing segment of the retail marketplace. These consumers share a number of concerns. They are worried that years of neglect and abuse have put the planet in a precarious position. Climate change is just the most tangible of the consequences. These consumers are also concerned with genetically altered seeds, the additives that are prevalent in packaged foods produced by large international conglomerates, the chemicals that are regularly injected into livestock and a host of other issues. They believe that changes in lifestyle are required to break out of a downward spiral towards an unsustainable future. They are willing to make that change.
Bringing unique markets to the consumer
These consumers actively seek out products and solutions that will help them lead renewed lives. They are becoming a genuine market force. It must be recognized that there is a political element to these consumers, as well. They are not just interested in their own health. They are concerned about the planet and their fellow man. There is a sense that western society has somehow failed the third world. They worry that many regions are being exploited and environmentally ravaged in order to provide goods and services to advanced nations. The huge disparities in wealth and widespread poverty in emerging regions are seen as immense problems requiring personal action. The highly publicized actions of Bono, Angelina Jolie, Madonna and many other celebrities find very receptive audiences. People care very much about these issues, and they have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to do business with corporations that share their concerns and values.
In Chapter 10, we’ll explain further why New Leaf World Markets’ focus is on rural and impoverished indigenous populations and their projects…like Maya Global 2012.
