As with many consumer trends, the demand for eco-friendly products has been affected by the economy. According to a 2011 study by Grail Research, consumers who previously considered or purchased green products are doing so less, turning instead to more affordable options. So this means companies are similarly cutting back on green efforts, right? Not necessarily. For many companies, rising oil prices are one reason to reduce energy consumption, which, in turn, cuts costs. But also, if there’s one positive byproduct of the recession, it’s the renewed emphasis on efficiency. More businesses are looking for ways to manufacture with fewer materials, produce less waste and use less energy in production, distribution and even in their offices. These days, going green not only offers feel-good benefits, it just makes good business sense.