Over 3.5 billion wire hangers end up in landfills each year, which represent almost 200 million pounds of non bio-degradable wire, and that is just in the United States alone. The Hanger Network, the company behind the Eco-Hangers, has come up with a sustainable alternative, dry cleaner's hangers made entirely from recycled paper and 100% recyclable. But the story doesn't stop there, Eco-Hangers serve as home advertisement for companies.

Through the company's proprietary network of 35,000 dry cleaners - all of which receive the hangers for free (the advertisement covers the cost) - companies can reach a wide range of consumers directly in their home. Eco-Hangers are as good for business as they are for the environment.

The vanishing mass market is being replaced by an array of specialized niche markets. Consumers are more individualized than ever, expecting every good, service and experience to address their unique tastes and needs. Pink Ladies is the UK's first women-only cab franchise. Having as background, that in London at least 10 women every month are attacked after getting into unlicensed cabs, the service aims to fight women violence by providing an only-women service.

Booking is done over the phone, and a text message is sent to the customer to inform the cab is about to arrive, so she doesn't have to wait outside. The taxis have a flashy pink color, which makes them highly visible. Passengers have to previously sign up as members, and fares are either pre-paid or through credit card, making it convenient for members and safe for drivers. Female drivers are trained in self-defense and will wait outside a customer's home after a drop-off. The idea not only addresses a very concrete niche, but reduces risk for women.

During the last decade, many are the companies within the garment industry that have been in the public spotlight for operating opaque businesses and employing questionable practices. Most of theses companies have experience significant loses due to the bad press. It has become increasingly important for companies to run open and fair business practices.

No Sweat Apparel is a Boston based start-up committed to producing 100% union-made apparel. The company bills itself as the first open source apparel manufacturer, they are committed to openly expose and share the complete production process the company’s products follow. Consumers not only know where the products come from, but are provided with information regarding the working conditions they were created under.

Each item sold comes with a factsheet detailing wages and rights afforded to the factory workers who created it. Working under the assumption that independent trade unions can only exist in regions where adequate labor conditions are strictly followed, all garments are produced by trade union members from countries all over the world, including Palestine, Nicaragua and Canada.