A U.S. lifestyle proposal that combines consumerism with a bit of ecological conscience is proving a hit in this shopping-crazy land, where workaholic salarymen are looking for quick fixes for stress and thinking green is becoming fashionable.
LOHAS, which stands for "Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability," an approach to purchasing and investment that originated in the U.S. about a decade ago, encompasses a wide range of products pushing social and environmental responsibility — organic soap, recycled paper, hybrid cars, solar heating and herbal tea.
The trend is just beginning to catch on here, but it represents an estimated $540 billion global market.