INDUSTRY NEWS

ECOLOGY
Can Birding Turn Green?

An increasing number of voices in the birding industry are asking how green the category will become. Already, feeders made of recycled materials are becoming more popular. And some industry leaders are watching to see how much the category expands beyond birding to embrace a broader definition of nature products for people who love the outdoors. Other questions remain unanswered. Will we see more organic bird seed on store shelves? Will more tube feeders be made of materials that can be thrown in a recycling bin?
    Trendwatchers should eye the two leading franchisers, Wild Birds Unlimited and Wild Bird Centers of America. Both companies have a history of supporting conservation and offering some nature-related products beyond birding.
    WBU already is stocking organic skin care products, which could lead the birding franchise leader into more gift and accessory lines in the years ahead. Company leaders at WBCA are assessing how to approach the green movement from a bird-product perspective.