Outer Spaces Shopping Experience Simulation

Customer Profile: Alex Park & Jamie Martinez - Portland Sustainability-Focused Couple

Date: October 11, 2025 Customer Personas: Alex Park (30, UX Designer) & Jamie Martinez (32, Elementary Teacher) Location: Portland, OR suburbs Combined Income: $125,000 Budget: $22,000 Purchase Likelihood: 65% Family: 3-year-old daughter

Executive Summary

PURCHASE DECISION: NO - Would not proceed with purchase

Likelihood Adjustment: 65% → 15%

While Outer Spaces offers an appealing product that technically fits our budget and promises convenient installation, the complete lack of substantive sustainability documentation, vague environmental claims, and absence of third-party certifications raised too many red flags for our values-driven purchasing criteria. The company's messaging feels more like aspirational greenwashing than authentic environmental commitment.

Initial Impressions: The Values-Driven Lens

What Drew Us In (Positive First Impressions)

When we first landed on spaces.liveouter.com, several elements immediately resonated:

The tagline: "Rethinking the way we live outside. For people and planet."
As Portland progressives, this language speaks directly to our dual concerns about quality of life and environmental responsibility
The explicit mention of "planet" suggested this wasn't just about selling products
One-day installation promise
With a 3-year-old, the idea of minimal disruption was incredibly appealing
No prolonged construction noise, no multiple weeks of contractors, no toddler safety concerns during extended building periods
The S20 Base at $22,000 exactly matches our budget
240 sq. ft. (20'x12') feels appropriately sized for our backyard
The fact that pricing was transparent on the website was appreciated - we hate having to "call for pricing"
Minimal site disruption claims
"Removable ground anchors" that leave minimal impact aligned with our environmental values
No concrete curing or permanent foundation felt less invasive to the land
25-year warranty
Suggested confidence in product longevity
Long-term durability is more sustainable than cheap products requiring replacement

Initial Red Flags (Things That Made Us Pause)

Even in the first 5 minutes of browsing, certain omissions were glaring:

No third-party certifications visible
No B-Corp certification
No FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification for wood materials
No carbon-neutral or climate-neutral certification
No Cradle to Cradle, LEED, or other environmental product certifications
Vague "for people and planet" messaging without substance
This is classic greenwashing language - aspirational but unverifiable
No concrete metrics, no specific commitments, no measurable goals
No transparency about manufacturing location
Where are these made? Shipped from where?
What's the carbon footprint of shipping a prefab deck structure?
Limited information about Portland/PNW service area
Trade program page mentioned "Available in CA only. Inquire for other states"
This immediately raised concerns - can they even install in Oregon?
If installation requires California-based crews traveling to Portland, what's the environmental impact?

Deep Dive: Sustainability Claims Investigation

As UX researchers and critical consumers, we spent significant time trying to verify Outer Spaces' environmental claims. Here's what we found - and didn't find.

Claims Made by Outer Spaces

Explicit Environmental Language:

"Rethinking the way we live outside. For people and planet."
"Sustainability through longevity" (from About page)
"Thoughtful, sustainable design"
Materials described as "sustainable"

Implied Environmental Benefits:

Minimal site disruption (removable ground screws)
Long-lasting materials (aluminum won't rust/rot/warp)
Low maintenance (no staining, sealing, sanding needed)
Composite decking resists moisture, mold, UV damage
Prefabricated design reduces on-site waste

What We COULD NOT Verify

This is where our concerns intensified. For each sustainability claim, we searched for verification:

1. Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) Decking

What we need to know as sustainability-focused buyers: - What percentage is recycled content? - What's the wood source? (Post-consumer waste? Sustainably harvested?) - What's the plastic composition? (Recycled HDPE? Virgin plastic?) - Any VOC emissions? - Is it recyclable at end of life?

What Outer Spaces disclosed: - "Wood plastic composite decking with 360-degree protective cap" - "Resists fading, stains, and moisture" - Generic material description only

Our assessment: MAJOR RED FLAG. Composite decking varies wildly in environmental impact. Some brands use 95% recycled content (milk jugs, shopping bags, sawdust from furniture manufacturing), while others use primarily virgin materials. Without brand names or specifications, we cannot verify sustainability claims.

Portland perspective: We know brands like Trex (95% recycled) and TimberTech (made with reclaimed wood and recycled plastics). If Outer Spaces used these, why wouldn't they highlight it? The silence is suspicious.

2. Aluminum Frame

What we need to know: - Recycled aluminum content percentage? - Where is aluminum sourced? - Powder coating - what chemicals? VOC content?

What Outer Spaces disclosed: - "Aluminum frame (powder-coated for corrosion resistance)" - "Weatherproof aluminum joists" - "Thick 2mm-walled extrusions"

Our assessment: Aluminum CAN be highly sustainable (infinitely recyclable, often 90%+ recycled content in construction applications), but again - no verification. The industry standard for quality aluminum products is to advertise recycled content. The absence of this information suggests it may not be a selling point.

3. Carbon Footprint & Manufacturing

What we need to know: - Where are products manufactured? - What's the carbon footprint of production? - What's the carbon cost of shipping prefab structures? - Any carbon offset programs? - Local sourcing of any materials?

What Outer Spaces disclosed: - Nothing. Literally zero information.

Our assessment: CRITICAL FAILURE. For a company claiming to operate "for people and planet," the complete absence of carbon footprint information is damning.

Portland perspective: We're acutely aware of embodied carbon in building materials. Shipping heavy prefabricated structures long distances can negate environmental benefits. We'd want to know: Is this made in California and shipped to Oregon? China and shipped across the Pacific? Without this information, we cannot make an informed decision.

4. End-of-Life Considerations

What we need to know: - Are materials recyclable? - Does company offer take-back programs? - What happens to the product after 25+ years? - Can components be replaced individually or must entire deck be disposed of?

What Outer Spaces disclosed: - Ground screws are "removable and reusable" - That's it.

Our assessment: The removable ground screw system is genuinely positive - it means the product can be relocated or removed without permanent land damage. However, this is a minimal baseline, not a comprehensive sustainability strategy.

5. Supply Chain & Ethical Sourcing

What we need to know: - Where are materials sourced? - Labor practices in manufacturing? - Fair wage certifications? - Conflict-free materials?

What Outer Spaces disclosed: - Nothing.

Our assessment: For progressive Portland buyers who prioritize ethical consumption, this is a significant gap. We actively avoid companies with exploitative labor practices or problematic supply chains.

Comparison to Authentically Sustainable Companies

To contextualize our concerns, here's what ACTUAL sustainability leaders do:

Patagonia (outdoor products): - Publishes detailed environmental footprint data - B-Corp certified - Fair Trade certified - Provides specific recycled content percentages - Transparent about factory locations and working conditions - Offers repair programs and guarantees - Regularly publishes sustainability reports

Trex (composite decking): - Advertises 95% recycled content prominently - Provides exact material composition - Publishes environmental product declarations - Keeps 500+ million pounds of waste out of landfills annually - Specific, measurable, verifiable claims

Method (sustainable home products): - B-Corp certified - Cradle to Cradle certified products - Carbon neutral operations - Transparent ingredient disclosure - Detailed sustainability reports

Outer Spaces: - Vague aspirational messaging - No certifications - No specific data - No transparency reports - No measurable commitments

Greenwashing Detection Analysis

As a UX designer (Alex speaking), I'm professionally trained to identify when design and messaging don't match user needs or reality. As a teacher (Jamie speaking), I'm trained to distinguish between evidence-based claims and unsupported assertions. Together, we see clear greenwashing patterns:

Classic Greenwashing Indicators Present:

1. Vague, Aspirational Language Without Specifics

"For people and planet" - what does this actually mean?
"Sustainable materials" - by what standard?
"Thoughtful design" - subjective, unmeasurable

2. Emphasis on Irrelevant Environmental Benefits

The "minimal site disruption" is presented as a primary environmental benefit
While nice, this is really about customer convenience, not ecological impact
The real environmental questions (carbon footprint, material sourcing, manufacturing impacts) go unaddressed

3. Durability Presented as Sustainability

Yes, long-lasting products are better than disposable ones
But durability alone doesn't make a product sustainable
A product can be durable AND have a massive carbon footprint, use virgin materials, and exploit labor

4. Lack of Third-Party Verification

Genuinely sustainable companies pursue certifications because they want verification
The absence of ANY certification (B-Corp, carbon neutral, FSC, etc.) suggests claims wouldn't withstand scrutiny

5. No Concrete Metrics or Commitments

No percentage of recycled content
No carbon reduction goals
No waste diversion statistics
No specific environmental improvements year-over-year

6. Environmental Claims Relegated to Marketing Copy

"For people and planet" appears in taglines and hero text
No dedicated sustainability page with data, reports, or documentation
Environmental language used for branding, not backed by substance

What Authentic Sustainability Would Look Like:

If Outer Spaces were genuinely committed to environmental responsibility, we'd expect:

Dedicated sustainability page with:
Annual sustainability reports
Carbon footprint calculations
Material sourcing transparency
Specific environmental goals and progress
Third-party certifications such as:
B-Corp (holistic business sustainability)
Carbon Neutral certification
FSC certification (if using wood products)
Cradle to Cradle (product lifecycle assessment)
Material transparency including:
Specific brand names of composite decking
Recycled content percentages
VOC emissions data
Recyclability information
Supply chain disclosure:
Manufacturing locations
Labor practice certifications
Shipping carbon footprint
Ethical sourcing commitments
Measurable commitments:
"We use composite decking with 90%+ recycled content"
"Our aluminum contains 85% recycled material"
"We've achieved carbon neutral shipping"
"We divert 95% of manufacturing waste from landfills"

Outer Spaces provides NONE of this.

Portland Climate & Family Considerations

Beyond sustainability concerns, we evaluated practical fit for our specific needs.

Pacific Northwest Climate Evaluation

Portland climate challenges: - 36-42 inches of rain annually - Persistent dampness October-May - Minimal snow but frequent freezing temperatures - UV exposure in summer months - Moss and mildew growth on outdoor surfaces

Product claims vs. PNW reality:

✅ Positive indicators: - Composite decking resists moisture and mold (critical for Portland) - Aluminum frame won't rust (good for wet climate) - Pergola's integrated gutter system and adjustable louvers could handle rain well - Slip-resistant materials important for wet conditions - No maintenance staining/sealing (beneficial in damp environment)

❓ Unanswered questions: - How does the specific WPC formula perform in constant dampness? - Does the powder coating on aluminum hold up to PNW moisture long-term? - Moss growth prevention - does composite decking need treatment? - How well do ground screws hold in saturated soil during winter? - Leaf guard on pergola gutter - adequate for PNW leaf fall?

Our assessment: The materials seem appropriate for wet climates in theory, but without knowing the specific composite brand or seeing PNW-specific testimonials, we're concerned. Portland is notoriously hard on outdoor materials - we need proven performance data.

Toddler Safety & Family Considerations

Critical safety questions for 3-year-old:

❌ Major concerns - information NOT provided: - Railing specifications and height (required for toddler safety) - Deck board gap spacing (tiny fingers/toes can get caught) - Splinter resistance of composite decking - Load capacity for active play - Non-toxic material certifications (toddlers touch everything) - Surface temperature in summer sun (burns?) - Slip resistance when wet (toddlers running)

What we found: - Generic mention of "slip-resistant materials" - Nothing else specific to child safety

Our assessment: As parents, this is UNACCEPTABLE. We need detailed safety specifications before investing $22,000 in a structure where our daughter will play daily. The website appears designed for childless adults or doesn't prioritize family safety information.

Specific needs unaddressed: - Can we add safety railings? (Not mentioned in customization options) - Is there a version designed for families with young children? - What's the railing height? (36" minimum for safety, 42" preferred) - Are there any sharp edges or pinch points in the design? - Has the product been tested to playground safety standards?

Family Outdoor Living Vision

What we're hoping to create: - Safe play space for our daughter where we can supervise from seating area - Native plant integration (Oregon grape, kinnikinnick, sword ferns around deck) - Pollinator-friendly landscaping compatibility - Rain-protected area for year-round outdoor time - Space for small toddler play structures or sandbox adjacent to deck

What Outer Spaces offers: - Pre-configured sizes with limited customization - No clear integration with native landscaping - No family-specific design consultation mentioned - Modern aesthetic that may not blend with PNW natural aesthetic

Concerns: - Can we work with a landscape designer to integrate native plants? - Does the installation process damage existing vegetation? - Can the deck be positioned to preserve mature trees? - Is the modern aluminum and composite aesthetic compatible with PNW naturalistic landscaping?

Budget & Financing Analysis

Budget Fit Assessment

Our budget: $22,000 S20 Base starting price: $22,000

What's included (according to website): - Materials - Design consultation - Project management - Shipping - Installation

Critical unknowns: - Is $22,000 the actual final price or "starting at" price? - What customizations or add-ons might we need that cost extra? - Are there additional costs for: - Site preparation? - Permits? - Railings for safety? - Electrical for lighting? - Travel fees for Oregon installation (if they even serve here)? - Tax implications? - Are safety railings included or extra?

Our assessment: The "starting at $22,000" language is concerning. We have exactly $22,000 budgeted - we cannot go over. Without clarity on what's truly included and what costs extra, we risk budget overruns.

Financing Exploration

What we looked for: - Monthly payment options - 0% financing periods - Payment plan flexibility - Deposit requirements - Payment schedule (deposit, milestones, completion)

What we found: - NOTHING. No financing information whatsoever.

Our assessment: Most major home improvement purchases offer financing. The absence of visible financing options suggests either: 1. They expect customers to pay in full upfront (problematic for most families) 2. Financing exists but isn't prominently advertised (poor UX) 3. They're targeting higher-income customers who don't need financing (not us)

For a $22,000 purchase, we'd want to understand payment options before engaging further.

Value Proposition Concerns

What we're comparing to:

Traditional Deck + Pergola (Portland market): - Custom deck: $12,000-18,000 (materials + labor) - Custom pergola: $8,000-15,000 (materials + labor) - Total: $20,000-33,000 - Timeline: 2-4 weeks - Customization: Complete - Materials: We choose everything (can specify recycled, FSC-certified, local)

Outer Spaces: - Combined deck + pergola: $18,000-34,000 (based on pergola starting prices) - Timeline: 1 day installation (but what about design/approval/shipping?) - Customization: Limited to pre-configured options - Materials: Unknown, no choice in sourcing

Our calculation: - We're paying a premium for convenience and speed - We're sacrificing customization and material transparency - We're NOT getting cost savings (it's comparable or more expensive) - The value proposition is primarily speed/convenience, NOT sustainability or cost

Question: Is one-day installation worth sacrificing our values around sustainable materials and transparency?

Our answer: No. The convenience doesn't outweigh the environmental and ethical concerns.

Service Area & Installation Concerns

Geographic Availability Issues

Critical discovery from Trade Program page:

"White glove installation Available in CA only. Inquire for other states."

This raises MAJOR questions: 1. Can they even install in Portland/Oregon? 2. If so, what's the process? California crews traveling to Portland? 3. What's the carbon footprint of mobilizing a California installation team to Oregon? 4. Is there an additional travel fee for out-of-state installation? 5. Who handles permits and code compliance in Oregon? 6. What if there are issues after installation - do they have local service?

Our assessment: The fact that they prominently serve California but treat other states as "inquire" suggests we may not even be in their primary market. This is problematic for: - Environmental reasons (transportation carbon footprint) - Practical reasons (installation scheduling, service, warranty support) - Cost reasons (potential travel fees)

As Portland buyers, we'd strongly prefer: - Local or regional companies with PNW presence - Reduced shipping distances - Installers familiar with Oregon building codes - Local warranty service and support

Installation Timeline Reality Check

Marketing claim: "Installs in a day"

Realistic timeline questions: 1. How long from order to installation scheduling? 2. What's the lead time for prefabrication? 3. Shipping time from manufacturing to Portland? 4. Permit approval timeline in Portland? 5. Weather considerations for installation scheduling?

Our concern: The "one day installation" is appealing marketing, but the total timeline from purchase to completion is unclear. We're planning around our daughter's schedule and need realistic expectations.

Customer Service & Transparency Evaluation

Communication & Information Access

Attempts to find detailed information: 1. ✅ Pricing visible on website (positive) 2. ❌ No FAQ page found 3. ❌ No visible contact information on main pages 4. ❌ No live chat option 5. ❌ No phone number prominently displayed 6. ❌ No detailed product specification sheets downloadable 7. ❌ No sustainability report or documentation

Our assessment: For a $22,000 purchase, the lack of readily accessible detailed information and customer support is concerning. We have dozens of questions and no clear path to answers without submitting a general inquiry form.

Terms of Service Red Flags

Concerning discovery in Terms:

"OUTER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY RELATED TO ANY AND ALL SHOWROOM APPOINTMENTS, PROPERTIES AND MERCHANDISE."

Questions this raises: - What liability are they disclaiming? - Are we buying directly from Outer Spaces or is this a marketplace model? - What recourse do we have if there are problems? - How does this interact with the 25-year warranty claim?

Mandatory arbitration clause: - All disputes governed by California law - No class action allowed - Only individual arbitration

Our assessment: As consumers, mandatory arbitration and liability disclaimers are concerning. Combined with lack of transparency on other fronts, this increases our risk perception.

Decision Matrix: Purchase Likelihood Analysis

Factors Supporting Purchase (Original 65% likelihood)

✅ Budget alignment: S20 Base at exactly $22,000
✅ One-day installation: Minimal toddler disruption
✅ Long warranty: 25-year coverage suggests quality
✅ Low maintenance: Important for busy working parents
✅ Weather-appropriate materials: Aluminum and composite suitable for PNW
✅ Integrated design: Deck + pergola system works together seamlessly
✅ Modern aesthetic: Appeals to our design sensibilities

Factors Against Purchase (Adjusted to 15% likelihood)

Critical Dealbreakers:

❌ SUSTAINABILITY GREENWASHING (Primary dealbreaker)
Vague "for people and planet" claims without verification
Zero third-party certifications
No material sourcing transparency
No carbon footprint data
No recycled content disclosure
No evidence of authentic environmental commitment
❌ LACK OF TODDLER SAFETY INFORMATION (Secondary dealbreaker)
No railing specifications
No child-safety features described
No family-oriented customization options
Cannot verify safety for 3-year-old's use
❌ SERVICE AREA UNCERTAINTY
California-focused with unclear Oregon availability
Potential carbon cost of CA team traveling to Portland
Lack of local support and service
❌ INSUFFICIENT PRODUCT TRANSPARENCY
Unknown composite decking brand/composition
Unknown aluminum recycled content
Unknown manufacturing location
Cannot make informed environmental decision

Significant Concerns:

⚠️ No financing information - all-or-nothing $22K commitment
⚠️ Limited customization - pre-configured sizes may not optimize our space
⚠️ Unclear total timeline - "one day install" doesn't reveal order-to-completion time
⚠️ Terms of service liability disclaimers - concerning for major purchase
⚠️ No visible customer service - how do we get questions answered?
⚠️ No PNW-specific testimonials - unproven in our climate

The Sustainability-Skeptical Buyer's Test

As Portland progressives trained to spot greenwashing, we applied this test:

Question: If we removed all environmental marketing language, would we still buy this product purely on features, quality, and price?

Answer: Maybe - it's a decent product with convenient installation.

Question: Does the product's actual environmental performance match its marketing claims?

Answer: We cannot verify this due to lack of transparency.

Question: Are there alternative products that better align with our values?

Answer: YES. We could hire a local Portland contractor to build a custom deck using Trex (95% recycled composite), FSC-certified lumber, and local labor - achieving better environmental outcomes with full transparency.

Conclusion: The environmental marketing attracted us initially but the lack of substance behind the claims is a dealbreaker.

Final Purchase Decision: NO

Primary Reason: Values Misalignment

We are not buying from Outer Spaces because:

The sustainability claims appear to be greenwashing rather than authentic environmental commitment. We refuse to reward companies that use environmental language as marketing without backing it with verifiable action.
As progressive Portland consumers, we vote with our dollars. We consciously support companies with demonstrated environmental and social responsibility. Outer Spaces has not demonstrated this.
We cannot ethically recommend this product to our community (teachers, designers, parents in our networks) without verification of sustainability claims.

Secondary Reasons:

Inadequate child safety information for toddler use
Service area uncertainty for Portland/Oregon
Lack of material transparency prevents informed decision
No clear customer service access for pre-purchase questions
Unknown total cost (is $22K final price or starting point?)

What Would Change Our Decision

We would reconsider if Outer Spaces:

Published comprehensive sustainability data:
Specific composite decking brand and recycled content %
Aluminum recycled content %
Manufacturing location and carbon footprint
Third-party environmental certifications (B-Corp minimum)
Supply chain transparency
Provided detailed safety specifications:
Railing options and heights
Child-safety features
Material safety certifications (non-toxic, etc.)
Confirmed Portland service capability:
Clear Oregon installation availability
Local installation crews or transparent about CA crew travel
Portland-area references or testimonials
Offered material transparency:
Exact specifications we could independently verify
Options to choose between material grades (e.g., higher recycled content)
Provided accessible customer service:
Phone consultation before purchase
Detailed FAQ addressing our concerns
Design consultation to discuss family needs

Recommendations for Values-Driven Buyers

Red Flags to Watch For (Greenwashing Indicators)

Vague aspirational language ("for the planet," "eco-friendly," "sustainable") without specific metrics
Lack of third-party certifications - authentic companies pursue B-Corp, carbon neutral, FSC, etc.
No sustainability page with detailed data, reports, or documentation
Undisclosed material sourcing - where, what, how much recycled content?
No carbon footprint information - manufacturing, shipping, operations
Environmental claims only in marketing copy - not integrated into actual business practice
Absence of measurable goals or progress reports - no accountability

Questions to Ask Before Purchasing

For sustainability verification: - What percentage of your materials is recycled content? - Where are products manufactured? - Do you have B-Corp or other sustainability certifications? - Can you provide environmental product declarations (EPDs)? - What's the carbon footprint of manufacturing and shipping to my location? - What end-of-life options exist for your products? - Do you publish annual sustainability reports?

For family safety (if applicable): - What safety features are included for young children? - What are railing specifications and options? - Are materials certified non-toxic? - What's the load capacity? - Are there any safety certifications or testing?

For service and support: - Do you have installation capabilities in my area? - What's the total timeline from order to completion? - What's included in the base price vs. additional costs? - How does warranty service work in my location? - Can you provide local references?

Alternative Approaches

For Portland-area buyers with similar values:

Hire local contractors using verified sustainable materials:
Trex composite (95% recycled content, transparent sourcing)
FSC-certified lumber from local suppliers
Local fabricators using recycled aluminum
Support local economy and reduce transportation carbon
Work with PNW-specific outdoor living companies:
Companies with proven track record in Portland climate
Local warranty service and support
Regional material sourcing
Understanding of Oregon building codes and permits
Consider modular alternatives with transparency:
Research companies that publish sustainability data
Look for B-Corp certified businesses
Prioritize companies with accessible customer service
Verify claims through third-party certifications
DIY with sustainable materials:
Purchase verified sustainable materials directly
Control entire supply chain
Learn valuable skills
Save money for higher-quality sustainable materials

The Bottom Line for Conscious Consumers

Don't confuse convenience with sustainability.

Outer Spaces offers genuine convenience (one-day installation, modern design, low maintenance), but these are customer benefits, not environmental benefits. The environmental marketing language is not backed by verifiable data or third-party certification.

For values-driven buyers, demand transparency.

If a company truly operates "for people and planet," they should be eager to share: - Specific environmental data - Third-party certifications - Material sourcing details - Carbon footprint calculations - Supply chain transparency - Measurable environmental commitments

When in doubt, research alternatives.

The outdoor living market has genuinely sustainable options. Companies like Trex (decking), Kebony (sustainable modified wood), and various B-Corp certified outdoor furniture companies exist. Don't settle for greenwashing when authentic alternatives exist.

Use your purchasing power intentionally.

Every dollar spent is a vote for the kind of business practices you want to see in the world. As progressive consumers, we choose to support companies that: - Demonstrate verified environmental commitment - Provide transparent supply chain information - Pursue third-party certifications - Publish sustainability progress reports - Prioritize people and planet alongside profit

Outer Spaces, as currently presented, does not meet these criteria.

Conclusion

As Alex and Jamie, a sustainability-focused Portland couple with a $22,000 budget and genuine interest in creating outdoor living space for our family, we came to Outer Spaces with 65% purchase likelihood. The product concept, price point, and convenience factor initially appealed to us.

However, thorough research revealed that the company's environmental claims lack substance. The "for people and planet" messaging appears to be marketing language rather than verified commitment. The complete absence of: - Third-party environmental certifications - Material sourcing transparency - Recycled content disclosure - Carbon footprint data - Supply chain information - Sustainability reporting

...combined with inadequate child safety information and service area uncertainty, reduced our purchase likelihood to 15%.

We will not proceed with this purchase. Instead, we'll explore local Portland contractors who can build a custom outdoor space using Trex composite (verified 95% recycled content), FSC-certified wood, and transparent sustainable practices. While this may take longer than one day to install, it aligns with our values and gives us confidence we're making an environmentally and ethically sound decision.

For Outer Spaces: If you're reading this, we'd genuinely love to be your customers if you address these transparency gaps. We represent a growing segment of conscious consumers with disposable income who prioritize values alignment. We're willing to pay premium prices for verified sustainability - but we need verification, not just marketing claims.

For fellow values-driven shoppers: Trust your instincts. If sustainability claims lack specific, verifiable data, they're likely greenwashing. Demand transparency, ask hard questions, and support companies that back up their environmental messaging with certifiable action.

Simulation Date: October 11, 2025 Report Compiled By: Alex Park & Jamie Martinez (Simulated Customer Personas) Location: Portland, OR suburbs Decision: Would not purchase - Values misalignment and greenwashing concerns