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Environmental Concern Changing Consumers' Lives and Buying Habits
LONDON, April 17 /PRNewswire/ --
- BuzzBack Market Research surveys US and UK consumers
Concern about the environment and global warming is not only influencing
how consumers live their lives, but also impacting their buying habits.
In a consumer survey taken in advance of Earth Day (April 22) by BuzzBack
Market Research, 81 percent of those asked in the United Kingdom said they
used energy efficient light bulbs and about half said they purchased recycled
products. But much work still needs to be done to change attitudes among
consumers as less than 10 percent say they buy products only from "green"
companies.
BuzzBack conducted a survey among 1,141 people in the US and United
Kingdom to learn how they are changing their lives to be more "green" or
environmentally conscious.
About half of those surveyed agree completely/somewhat "that the
environment is the most important issue, and are willing to make sacrifices
such as convenience, comfort or cost savings in order to support the
environment."
When it comes to using products to improve the environment, UK consumers
say they more often than not:
-- 87% recycle paper
-- 81% use energy efficient light bulbs
-- 81% recycle glass
-- 75% turn off electric appliances rather than leave them on stand-by
-- 71% recycle plastic
-- 65% take more showers than baths to conserve water
-- 63% turn down the thermostat
-- 56% walk short distances rather than drive
-- 54% purchase products with less packaging
-- 53% purchase refill products
-- 49% purchase recycled products
-- 47% purchase recycled paper
-- 36% use less household chemicals
-- 31% buy organic fruit or vegetables
-- 25% take fewer flights
-- 15% buy organic meat
-- 8% only buy products from companies they consider Green
-- 1% use a hybrid car
About three-quarters in both the US and UK are 'extremely/slightly'
worried about global warming. More UK consumers are 'slightly' worried, and
nearly two-thirds of these have made changes to things they do or buy as a
result. In the US, among those worried about global warming, only half have
made changes.
BuzzBack Market Research, a New York Internet consumer research firm with
offices in London, developed the study when several clients asked about
sustainability and issues related to environmental consumerism.
Martin Oxley is the Managing Director of BuzzBack Market Research in
Europe (www.buzzback.com) and would be glad to share additional information.
Web site: http://www.buzzback.com
