# Eco-nomical Previously expensive eco alternatives get an affordable overhaul for the masses. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Mar 31, 2014 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/economical ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.4/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Eco-nomical trend? **Eco-nomical:** Eco alternatives are often associated with a higher price tag, but a variety of companies are expanding green offerings into the mass market with designs that are priced to suit any income bracket. As the eco movement becomes further ingrained in Western culture and consumers desire more than ever to become part of the trendy green movement, affordable eco innovations are allowing consumers on a budget to get involved, while also reinforcing that there are no reasons left not to adopt a lower impact lifestyle. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 8, 2011 to Sep 16, 2014 - Published: Mar 31, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [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 ## Examples of the Eco-nomical trend 9 featured examples from Nov 8, 2011 to Sep 16, 2014. - [Inexpensive Disaster-Proof Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hurricane-proof-design): Sustainable.TO's Hurricane-Proof Design is a Competition Winner (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate resilient design principles and cost-effective materials to revolutionize construction practices. - [Cheap Cardboard Standing Desks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-standing-desk): Zachary Rotholz of Chairigami Designs an Affordable Healthy Desk (Category: Eco) Implication: The furniture industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities in affordable, sustainable and mass-produced office furniture designs to meet the demand of consumers who va… - [Eco Ballerina Attire](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dancer-fashion): The Latest H&M Conscious Collection is Inspired by Dancer Fashions (Category: Eco) Implication: Innovative opportunity for the fashion industry to design sustainable and trendy clothing lines that cater to environmentally conscious and stylish consumers. - [Safer Developing Country Cookers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greenway-smart-stove): The Greenway Smart Stove Generates Less Smoke and Uses Less Fuel (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The Greenway Smart Stove's use of less fuel and cleaner combustion makes it a disruptive innovation in renewable energy. - [Eco Infusing Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-brewing-mug): The Portable Brewing Mug Prepares Your Morning Beverage On the Go (Category: Eco) Implication: The travel accessories industry can capitalize on the Portable Brewing Mug trend by developing innovative brewing solutions for users on the go. - [DIY Kitchen Utensil Decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flamingo-toes-silverware-mirror): The Flamingo Toes 'Silverware Mirror' is Adorable (Category: Art & Design) Implication: DIY kits, customizable options, and playful designs can be incorporated into a variety of home decor products and services. - [Recycled Cardboard Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoconscious-lamp): These Eco-Conscious Lamps are Made Using Discarded Cardboard (Category: Eco) Implication: The lighting industry can explore the disruptive innovation opportunities in creating eco-conscious lamps using recycled materials and minimalist designs. - [Slimming LED Light Bulbs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phillips-slimstyle-light-bulbs): Phillips Introduces Energy Effiecent SlimStyle Light Bulbs (Category: Eco) Implication: The slimming LED light bulbs trend can transform the lighting industry with the adoption of energy-efficient and long-lasting bulbs. - [Flat-Packed Furniture Companies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karton-group): Karton Group Brings Low-Cost Cardboard Furniture to the Masses (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for furniture manufacturers to explore the use of cardboard as a low-cost and eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials. ## Themes within the Eco-nomical trend ### Affordable Eco Innovations Companies are expanding green offerings into the mass market with designs that are priced to suit any income bracket. ### DIY Home Decor DIY items, such as the Flamingo Toes 'Silverware Mirror,' allow users to infuse their own personality into the design and create unique items on the cheap. ### Sustainable Design for Disaster Resistance Designers are creating affordable solutions to address natural disasters, such as Sustainable.TO's Hurricane-Proof Design for areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. ## What the Eco-nomical trend means for industry ### For Green Living Companies that specialize in eco-friendly alternatives and devices, from coffee cups to cookstoves. ### For Furniture Retailers Furniture makers who use recycled materials, such as the Karton Group, to create low-cost, easy-to-assemble furniture. ### For Architectural Design and Disaster Relief Architectural design firms focused on disaster relief and creating sustainable, affordable housing solutions for disaster-prone areas. ## Trend signals for Eco-nomical Trend score 5.4 out of 10, from popularity 79%, activity 74%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 79% - Activity: 74% - Freshness: 8% ## Recent trend clusters - [Retrofit Reserves](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/on-site-battery-backup) (Eco) - [Code Switching](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fashion-running-hybrids) (Fashion) - [Keepsake Motoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/collectible-luxury-suvs) (Autos) - [Story Surfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/city-tribute-shoes) (Fashion) ## Trending in Eco - [Electric Motorcycle Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-motorcycle-concepts) - [Italian-Built Electric Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/italian-built-electric-motorcycles) - [Compact Commuter E-Bike Motors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-commuter-e-bike-motors) - [Off-Road Electric E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/off-road-electric-e-bikes) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)