10 Things That Will Go Mainstream in 2011
Less than a decade ago, environmentalists were labeled "tree huggers," or called "granola" and "crunchy." Today, "being green" is no longer on the fringe -- it's a cultural norm. Recycling is a standard practice (mandatory in many places). Martha Stewart just announced her plans to launch a line of green homes and kids' television stations promote programs like Disney's Friends for Change to encourage youngsters to "Green Their Scene."
Another trend we've seen go front-and-center is frugality. Beginning around 2009, the U.S. recession made thrift commonplace. People who once mocked coupon-cutting turned to it in droves. Economically chastened Americans said goodbye to conspicuous consumption and hello to living within their means.
This past year was also when e-readers (like the Kindle) and gourmet food trucks exploded onto the scene and worked their way into the hearts of Main Street Americans.
So what niche items or practices are set to go mainstream? Here are 10 that we expect to gain mass acceptance in 2011.
