Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Lighting the ball in Times Square aside, more lights may be turned off next year than ever.
According to a survey by Tiller, a majority of US consumers—53%—plan to make going green a New Year’s resolution in 2010.
Two years ago, in a previous Tiller poll, just under half of American adults, 49%, resolved to go green in the year to come.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Anyone who sells or manufacturers consumer electronics should consider moving the product positioning toward green.
The “2009 National Technology Readiness Survey,” published by the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business, found that given the choice between two equally-priced big-ticket consumer electronic (CE) products—except that one is “manufactured in a way that is good for the environment”—92% of US consumers would choose the green one.
That is a clear competitive advantage.
Monday, December 28, 2009
This holiday season more consumers were looking for eco-friendly gifts…if the price was right.
According to the “24th Annual Holiday Survey,” from Deloitte, 20% of US consumers planned to purchase more eco-friendly gifts in 2009 than in the past.
In addition, 18% of those surveyed planned to shop at more green (environmentally responsible) retailers than in the in past.
All good news for sellers and producers of green products. But…
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
In India, even the youngest citizens worry about the health of the planet. “The Big Green Help Poll,” conducted by Nickelodeon, found Indian children believe growing more trees is the best way to help the earth.
The children’s sentiments are echoed by India’s adult population.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
According to a survey from Mambo Sprouts, US natural products consumers are conflicted about whether to purchase organic or local food products. Almost one in three did not know which they would choose.
A plurality, 40% would purchase the local product.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Examining trash in public places and the littering behavior of US consumers, the “Litter in America” report, from the non-profit organization Keep America Beautiful (KAB), found that packaging materials make up 60% of all “litter of interest,” which includes the categories in the chart below and accounts for 80% of all litter along roadways.
Cigarette butts were the most abundant of all litter, but of visible “litter of interest” (4 inches and larger)—fast food packaging was most prevalent.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Speaking in Copenhagen, Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA), head of the House Committee on Energy said, “We have to follow the science.”
But that is easier said than done.
A Washington Post-ABC News poll found a majority of consumers in the US don’t think scientists agree on whether or not global warming is occurring.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A report from the University of Michigan, “Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles,” found that US consumers are more willing to buy a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) than a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
One in four consumers said there was no chance they would buy a PHEV, when only 21% of consumers would never buy a HEV.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
According to a Gallup poll, a majority of US homeowners, 68%, took steps to make their homes more energy efficient in 2009. Given the economy, it is not surprising that 71% of them undertook those retrofits primarily to save money.
A Harris Interactive poll found that US consumers are actively taking steps to protect the environment by reducing energy usage, water consumption and their carbon footprints.
A majority of consumers reported turning off lights when leaving a room (83%), recycling (68%), reusing instead of replacing items (65%), installing energy-efficient light bulbs (63%) and using less water (60%) during the past year.
Only 13% of the survey claimed they have not engaged in any of the activities above to improve the environment.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A poll from the McClatchy Company and Ipsos found a majority of Americans support cap-and-trade, even with their wallets.
In a survey of US adults, 52% of them supported “cap and trade” as a method of discouraging emissions. Even when told a cap-and-trade program would lower GHG’s but raise their monthly electrical bill $10 a month, support dropped only 2%, to 50%.
In findings nearly identical to a study conducted last year by the TABS Group, purchases of organic food and beauty goods by US consumers showed no growth in 2009.
Fresh fruit and vegetables composed over 50% of organic purchases, dairy products and eggs 33%. Beauty products accounted for 10% of organic purchases and frozen products 6%.
Only 38% of respondents purchased products in these “major organic categories” during the past six months.
Monday, December 14, 2009
According to a GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media poll, most Americans believe it is more difficult to use less energy than to use less water. Only 34% believe it is harder to use less water.
Friday, December 11, 2009
In October, David Cameron, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, called on industry to spark a green consumer revolution: “Through the products you create and the choices you make, you will be the driving force behind the sustainable consumption we all want to see.”
The “Ethical Consumerism Report,” published by The Co-operative Bank, found UK household spending on sustainable products and services reached £251 in 2008, up 5% from 2007.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A survey from Crowe Horwarth and The Center for Business Excellence found that 88% of US firms had environmental sustainability initiatives.
Social sustainability initiatives were also popular—present in 72% of firms.
