Consumers Buying More ‘Green’ Since Start of Recession

May 12, 2009

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Countering some other research, a new study shows that consumers in the United States, UK and Japan have placed more emphasis on buying so-called “green” items than they did before the recession began, among other attributes they consider during purchasing.

Furthermore, those surveyed expect to buy even more green items once the recession bottoms out, according to the survey from Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates and advertising agency JWT.

Still, consumers said prices is the biggest barrier to purchasing green items and services. Among U.S. consumers, 35 percent share that viewpoint, with corresponding figures of 31 percent in the UK and 43 percent in Japan, according to a press release.

By and large, teens say they are passing on green purchases in order to save money. A different survey shows that four of five consumers are purchasing green items.

Fifty-four percent of shoppers consider environmental sustainability characteristics in their buying decisions; however, only 22 percent actually buy green products on their shopping trips, according to a new study released by the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

Here is a look at consumer perceptions now and how they expect to base purchasing decisions after the recession.

click to enlarge

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