The environment is a hot topic these days and it's almost becoming fashionable to worry about looking after the planet. There are so many different ways to be a little greener, such as recycling, cycling to work, reusing plastic bags, reducing food miles and turning your gadgets off rather than using standby. Even growing your own fruits and vegetables is making a comeback among young families, rather than being a recreational activity for garden enthusiasts.

Manufacturers are recognizing that consumers are very much interested in products that are better for the environment. And therefore there is a growing market in all market sectors relating to green products. Consumers are interested in products that are not only environmentally friendly, but products that have been made using eco-friendly manufacturing techniques. Products made from recycled materials have long been desirable, but some governments are offering financial incentives to businesses that use recycled materials.

If there's ever been a better time for innovation in green technologies, it's now. Not only are companies set to secure revenue from the patents on green technologies, but the kudos from doing so will put companies in the limelight. Having a huge publicity stunt using green technology is a sure-fire way for a business to gain some attention from potential customers.

Even financial institutions are beginning to offer current accounts and investment products where money is only invested in business is with ethical practices. Companies with a zero-carbon footprint, non-exploitative employment records, investments in alternatives to fossil fuels and other green initiatives are seeing huge growth. The huge growth in these companies is highly attractive to investors It's becoming obvious that green and ethical businesses are good investments for the next five to 10 years. It's anyone's guess how long such growth will continue, but certainly large gains in the next 10 years would be likely.

The Western countries have a great passion for electronic gadgets. Electronic consumer goods have a bad track record when it comes to polluting the environment with heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium. These metals and various other toxic compounds leech into the ground and water table causing havoc with nature and its creatures. Some of the worst chemicals are those from products created in the 1960s and 1970s. In the 21st century, we understand considerably more than we did 30 to 40 years ago about just how dangerous those chemicals were. Thankfully the majority of these chemicals are now banned, but not all of them. Gadgets that consume less energy are beginning to drive the gadget market as rising fuel costs are leading consumers to minimise their energy bills.

A combination of increased awareness and financial incentives are creating a number of eco-markets that are desirable, fashionable and lucrative. I expect that in the next 20 years or so we will see some huge leaps in how gadgets are created and the materials used to make them. One day, all products created in this world will have zero negative impact on the environment. I look forward to the day in which looking after this planet becomes a daily habit for everyone, rather than an after thought.

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