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The Buying Behavior of Substantial Minorities of Public is Influenced by Environmental Attitudes - if Price is Right

 
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Short Description:
A 2009 Harris Interactive survey shows that U.S. consumers claim to be influenced by environmental factors, but in actuality only a minority of consumers is willing to pay substantially more for "green" products.

Abstract:

Major Findings:

  • 18-39% of all adults say their purchasing behavior is sometimes influenced by environmental factors.
  • 26% of adults say that environmental issues are extremely or very important to them when choosing products or services to buy.
  • 17% say that environmental issues are extremely or very important when deciding what company to work for.
  • 30% of adults say they often or always purchase locally grown products or are willing to pay more for "green" products.
  • 32% of adults say they seek green products out and are willing to pay at least a little more for them.
  • 45% seek out green products but are not willing to pay more for them.
  • About one-quarter of adults say that environmental issues are very important to them in purchase decisions.
  • 18% of adults prefer to do business with a green company.
  • A small number (2%) say they look for and buy green products if they have to pay a lot more for them.
  • A small number (3%) say that cost doesn't matter.
In summary, this survey finds that "green" marketing appeals to a substantial number of consumers, although 22% of consumers believe that "going green is just a marketing tactic."

Consumers give the following reasons for engaging in "green" behavior:

  • To benefit the environment (67%)
  • To save money (55%)
  • To reduce clutter in home (49%)
  • To set a good example for others (47%)
  • Out of habit (40%)
  • Because it is required by law (14%)
  • To make a statement (13%)
  • To take advantage of a green government tax credit (7%)

Spot Check Number: 1202
Sponsor: Harris Interactive
Researcher/Author: Harris Interactive
Animal Type: Unknown
Record Type: News Article, Survey Summary
Research Method: Online Survey
Geographic Region: United States National
Number of Participants: 3,110
Population Descriptors: American consumers
Year Conducted: July - September 2009

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