# Augmented Eco Instead of upgrading power-hungry appliances, consumers turn to modifications. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Feb 13, 2014, updated Feb 24, 2014 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/augmented-eco ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Augmented Eco trend? **Augmented Eco:** Despite a large proportion of consumers willing to go green, many lack the resources to invest in appliances and solutions that solve the issue of heavy resource consumption at the source. As such, the eco-conscious on a budget are opting for modifications that decrease the energy or resources required for eco and cost-effective benefits. This shift towards augmentation as opposed to replacement expands the perceived market of potential products by placing the power into the hand of the consumer with goods that increase the feeling of being savvy or resourceful in a society obsessed with resource depletion. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 14, 2013 to Jan 24, 2014 - Published: Feb 13, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Augmented Eco trend ### Augmented Eco Consumers are opting for modifications that decrease the energy or resources required for eco and cost-effective benefits. ### Smart Home Technology Products like app-controlled adapters, mobile-managed appliances and smart bulbs are becoming increasingly popular as consumers look to automate their homes and reduce energy consumption ### Eco-Friendly Everyday Products Refillable stainless steel K-Cups and parasitic eco flashlights are innovative and eco-friendly replacements for traditional products ## What the Augmented Eco trend means for industry ### For Home Automation Companies can innovate and create new products to meet the demand for smart, energy-saving home devices ### For Sustainable Living Businesses can develop eco-friendly everyday products to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers ### For Energy Efficiency There is a growing opportunity to create products and solutions that help people reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint ## Trend signals for Augmented Eco Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 82%, activity 47%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 82% - Activity: 47% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Augmented Eco trend 6 featured examples from Nov 14, 2013 to Jan 24, 2014. - [Parasitic Eco Flashlights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suckerfish-flashlight): The Suckerfish Attaches to Automobiles to Harness Energy to Operate (Category: Autos) Implication: The renewable energy industry can explore using wind power for small-scale applications such as flashlight charging. - [Mobile-Managed Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netatmo-thermostat): This Netatmo Thermostat Fine-Tunes its Functionality Through Your Phone (Category: Eco) Implication: The home automation industry can develop cutting-edge solutions, mobile-managed appliances, and integrated sensors for smart thermostats. - [Refillable Stainless Steel K-Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ekobrew-elite-cup): The Ekobrew Elite Cup is Environmentally Consious (Category: Eco) Implication: Coffee retailers can sell refillable stainless steel K-Cups like Ekobrew Elite Cup as a sustainable option to single-use plastic coffee pods. - [Smart Eco Adapters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parce-one): The Parce One Disconnects Your Plugged-In Devices When They're Not Needed (Category: Eco) Implication: Smart eco adapters can revolutionize the smart home industry by providing energy-efficient solutions. - [App-Enabled Smart Bulbs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lumen-smart-bulb): The Lumen Smart Bulb Changes Moods Instantaneously (Category: Eco) Implication: The home automation industry can leverage the trend of smart lighting to offer innovative lighting control systems for households. - [Appliance-Controlling Adapters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zuli-smartplug): The Zuli Smartplug Turns Lights on Automatically When You Enter (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Provide comprehensive home automation solutions that enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and personalization for users. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)