March 16, 2008
Trends in Consumer Actions to Protect the Environment

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.
Advertisers
Enhance Sustainability. Improve Profitability.
Learn how at the SAP Sustainability Resource Center. >>
Unclear about the EPA's new GHG Rule?
Learn how it could affect your business. >>
EPA mandatory emissions reporting starts Jan 1st
CSA Standards can help your organization get ready for compliance. Find out how. >>
Product Environmental Compliance Best Practices
How to achieve compliance at a significantly lower cost. Download the full report. >>
Join the Discussion
Recent Daily News [ see all ]
- 11/23/2009
- 11/20/2009
- 11/19/2009
- Obama May Set Provisional GHG Reduction Targets at Copenhagen
- Climate Scientists Alleged to Have Manipulated Data
- Wind Power Investments Grow in North America
- Sanyo Selling Solar Eco-homes
- WWF, WRI Make Last-Minute Pitches on Climate Change
- CH2M Hill Cuts Paper Use by 21% from 2006 to 2008
- Kraft Rolls Up 50M Miles Saved Through Transportation Efficiency
- Construction Firm Adding Wind, Solar to Demonstrate Possibilities to Customers
- Retrofitted Exit Signs Can Save Up to 90% in Energy Costs
- Electronics Boom, E-Cycling Lags
- Around the Web – Genan, CO Ski Resorts, Sainsbury, MillerCoors
- Replenish Energy Wins Cleantech Open Expo’s Global Ideas Award
- Ontario May Follow California’s Lead on TV Energy Efficiency
- EPA Is One Step Closer to New Ship Emissions Standards
- European Paper Industry Cuts CO2 Emissions by 42% since 1990
- CDP Launches Water Disclosure Project
- Whirlpool Cuts Water Use by Nearly 22% from 2004 to 2008
- National Grid Again Rejects High Costs of Offshore Wind
- California City’s Green Building Ordinance Applies to Commercial Buildings
- Agilent To Save $3.5M Over 10 Years With Solar
- S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
- Texas, China Wind Partners May Build U.S. Factory to Appease Critical Lawmaker
- Volvo, Mack Engines First to Meet 2010 EPA Emissions Standards
- Around the Web – Nike, Google, Nissan, Bush’s Green Library, WWF
- Fossil Fuel Emissions Rose 29% since 2000
- SEC Charges Four in ‘Green’ Investment Ponzi Scheme
- No Sunny Skies for Two Solar Projects in Texas, California
- Canada Delays GHG Emissions Regs, Russia Ups Emissions Cuts
- News Corp. Taps Hara for Energy Efficiency, Environmental Management
- Rising Sea Levels Would Hit U.S. East Coast Hardest
- Building an Energy-Efficient Data Center Using Virtualization Technology
- Trade Group on EPA Chemical Regs: ‘If Everything is a Priority, Then Nothing is a Priority’
- A/V Equipment Gets New Energy Star Requirements
- By Scaling Back Catalogs, JC Penney to Save 30% on Paper
- Around the Web – Starbucks, EcoFactor, UPS, Brownfields, Eco-Labels
- Subaru Touts Energy & Environmental Initiatives
Charts [ see all ]
Popular Topics
Energy Efficiency
Data Center
Emissions
Facilities
Electricity
Sustainability
Water
Supply Chain
Efficiency
Green Marketing
Strategy & Leadership
Research
Fleets & Transportation
Carbon Finance
Conventional Energy
Clean Energy
Waste & Recycling
Paper & Packaging
Policy & Law
Utilities
Construction
Comments and Discussions
Rod Johnson on Stimulus Package Delivers $2.4 Billion for Electric Vehicle Projects
"Will this stimulus be extended to other electric utility vehicles?"
Charli on Trade Group on EPA Chemical Regs: ‘If Everything is a Priority, Then Nothing is a Priority’
"Thanks Environmental Leader, for..."
James Beddingfield on Oceans May Trap more Carbon than Forests
"Another great thing about an ocean-based carbon sink is that it can’t..."
Custom Organic Shirts on Climate Scientists Alleged to Have Manipulated Data
"Wow, EL – should have seriously done even some background research..."
Phil on Climate Scientists Alleged to Have Manipulated Data
"Pete old boy, why don’t you just trot out the math that carries you from your..."
Roy Tindle on Climate Scientists Alleged to Have Manipulated Data
"It’s worth reading the report on RealClimate, a website by climatologists:..."
TreeBanker on SEC Charges Four in ‘Green’ Investment Ponzi Scheme
"This is a real shame because Matria and their subsidiaries have access..."





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