Electric vehicles have been on the rise recently, however there is fear that after a recent Tesla fire that those numbers may dwindle. In Kent, Seattle a Model S sedan’s lithium- ion battery went ablaze after a 3-inch hole was punched in the metal plating.  A worry is that not only will this event scare off Telsa buyers, but electric car buyers all together.

Since the beginning of the year Tesla stocks have surged to exceed expectations. Drawing in almost all customers interested in green technology. For this reason I don’t believe the event will have too harsh of an impact on Tesla’s stocks. With the increased interest in green technologies rising, along with the current rate of increase of Tesla’s stocks, I don’t see the fire as having a big effect. Even if so I don’t see it drastically affecting the electric car industry as a whole. As well, the vehicle in the midst of the accident managed to safely direct the driver off the road and out of the vehicle. While Tesla is greatly against situations like this happening, and stress how uncommon they are, it’s an added relief knowing that if an event like this does occur the cars are prepared. The “green” car market shouldn’t fear a overwhelming backlash due to this incident.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/schumpeter/2013/10/tesla-motors

http://jacobfoxx.com/2013/08/23/tesla-model-s-glimpse-future/

After decades of campaigns, tax increases and restrictions, aimed to deglamorize smoking, a new electronic cigarette sparks fears that it could cause the unhealthy habit to once again increase in popularity.

While smoking has continued to fall in numbers, the newfound trend “vaping” is rising. Vaping allows users to get a kick of nicotine with out the harmful products found in cigarettes. While some are against the trend, claiming it could re-glamorize smoking, many, including myself see it as a positive, as it is helping drive users away from it’s harmful alternative. You also have to give the company credit for their innovation. They have encouraged a cutback in cigarette sales, and given regular cigarette users a safer way to get that “hit of nicotine” that drives regular smokers them to buy another pack. They have also been embarking on new opportunities and broadening the audience to which they currently appeal. By offering various flavors, strengths of dosage, and increasing their distribution to convenient stores and gas stations, it has allowed their product to gain credibility in a market that is currently dominated by regular cigarettes, nicotine patches and nicotine gum.  While I don’t necessarily encourage the use of nicotine products, particularly for younger users, I do find it as a much-improved alternative to classic cigarettes and the rate at which the company has been expanding is something to be admired.

http://www.economist.com/news/business/21586867-regulators-wrestle-e-smokes-tobacco-industry-changing-fast-kodak-moment

As fair trade cosmetics continue to grow substantially in today’s market, there is one major company that has been focusing on sustainability for years.  Lush has proudly been a promoter of fresh, natural ingredients since the 1990’s and currently encourages ethical buying, anti-animal testing, ethical campaigns and charitable giving’s.

Lush’s many “vegan”, “organic” and “vegetarian” products have been driving consumers to their stores for decades. It is this push by consumers to be green that is changing the way companies are choosing to present themselves. Many other companies have been adopting a “green” vision and this could pose as a problem for Lush. Large companies like The Body Shop that too base their products from an ethical stand point have proven to be growing competition. But what makes Lush stand out from the crowd? Many see it as “fresher” and “trendier” than competition. Others choose it because of its eye for detail. While other “green” companies sell their products in plastic bottles and containers, Lush ensures to wrap their products in paper, or even fabric to be more sustainable. It’s these little things that set them apart from their competition. They continue to differentiate themselves from the market by successfully offering an array of choices while still being fun, quirky and staying true to their ethical mission statement.

http://www.retail-week.com/knowledge-bank/analysis-overseas-success-for-beauty-retailer-lush/5043965.article

http://jacobfoxx.com/2013/08/23/tesla-model-s-glimpse-future/

http://sgvegan.wordpress.com/category/lush/