Trends in Consumer Actions to Protect the Environment

March 16, 2008

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In the current wave of the environmental movement, there is quite a bit of talk. But research from Natural Marketing Institute shows that there is also quite a bit of action. The general population has slightly increased the frequency of various green activities, as shown above.

Modest increases are seen in energy and water conservation efforts, and boycotting a brand or company increased 10 percent since 2006. Consumers seem to be holding companies more accountable for their actions in terms of environmental protection and ethical practices.

About three in ten consumers now report they participated in a household hazardous waste collection day – an increase of more than 50 percent since 2006. Consumers do appear to be identifying small and large changes they can make in their lives to be sensitive to the environment, and engaging even in activities that require moderate investments of their time and energy.

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Reader Comments

This data is great to see and supports the recent survey that EcoUnit conducted. I see two important trends from the standpoint of global warming. First, consumers are beginning to actively change their lifestyles; since day-to-day consumer decisions account for well over 50% of carbon emissions in North America, these changes are critical to our ability to slow the threat of global warming. Second, changing purchase behaviors (i.e. a willingness to boycott brands) will have an immediate and significant impact on corporate actions generally and product design specifically; the result is that the second largest source of CO2 in North America (i.e. corporations) will also need to address their carbon footprint at an increasing rate.

Kent Ragen | March 17th, 2008

Recycling cellphones is a great way to reduce Ewaste.At the same peoples’ unwanted cellphones are a very valuable resource.I can help turn these cellphones into funds.If youre a Group,Church,School or even a Local Government I can help you.My website is http://www.EnviroCellular.com

EnviroCellular | March 19th, 2008

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