Consumer Survey: Growth of ‘Green’ Consumption On Hold

March 6, 2009

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

At 36 percent, the number of Americans who say they “almost always” or “regularly” buy green products remains unchanged, according to recent Mintel consumer survey data. This lack of growth comes after tripling from 12% in 2007 to 36% in 2008.

Some news organizations are seizing on the study, with headlines like “Green product sales stagnating, survey finds: Customers are reluctant to spend more on higher-priced environmentally friendly items” and “Green push stalled by weakened economy.”

The green shopping movement should regain its footing, with Mintel predicting 19 percent growth by 2014, according to the Business Ledger, of Chicago.

Generally, consumers would like to buy more sustainable and organic goods, but the higher price weighs heavily on their minds.

According to the study, about 54 percent would buy more green items if they did not cost so much. When it comes to organic food, 78 percent of respondents indicated they would buy more it were less expensive.

Additionally, 52 percent of shoppers said that green household cleaning products cost too much.

The Mintel survey would appear to be at odds with some other recent surveys.

Roughly 34 percent of American consumers indicate they are more likely to buy environmentally responsible products today, and another 44 percent indicate their environmental shopping habits have not changed as a result of the economy. Eight percent say they are less likely to buy. This is according to the results of the 2009 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey.

And four out of five people say they are still buying green products and services today – which sometimes cost more – even in the midst of a U.S. recession, according to a study commissioned by Green Seal and EnviroMedia Social Marketing.

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Advertisers

Stay competitive through sustainability.

Find out 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. >>

Best Practices: Product Environmental Compliance

How to achieve compliance at a significantly lower cost. Download the full report. >>

Join the Discussion

Recent Daily News [ see all ]

11/20/2009
11/19/2009
11/18/2009

Charts [ see all ]

European Paper Industry Cuts CO2 Emissions by 42% since 1990

S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks

Nike Tops Annual Climate Action Scores

Oceans May Trap more Carbon than Forests

Jobs

View All Jobs >> Post a Job >>

Comments and Discussions

Trade Association on Trade Group on EPA Chemical Regs: ‘If Everything is a Priority, Then Nothing is a Priority’
"Seriously… that..."

Gary Markowitz on Supermarkets Tackle Emissions Reductions, Fuel Efficiency
"Supermarkets waste over 10 percent of their energy through improper..."

peter in ireland on Ontario May Follow California’s Lead on TV Energy Efficiency
"Governor Schwarzenegger is shooting himself in the foot! 1...."

Environmental Leader on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"The survey respondents (the PDF report mentions 4,000 respondents in 38..."

Jake on UPS Trying New Hydraulic Hybrid Trucks
"A point of clarification: the Reuters press release referenced herein reports that 20 UPS will purchase..."

Custom Organic Shirts on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"90% of North Americans believe it is urgent to get a global climate..."

peter dublin on California City’s Green Building Ordinance Applies to Commercial Buildings
"Why energy efficiebnt regulation on buildings –..."

Environmental Leader