Sunday, November 12, 2006

Green is the New Fashion Statement for Consumers

Consumers are more likely to buy products and services from a business they think is tackling climate change, according to the Carbon Trust. Nearly three quarters of UK consumers are concerned about climate change. Two thirds want to know the carbon footprint - a measure of environmental impact - of products and services.

The Government-funded body, which helps business and the public sector cut carbon emissions, said the findings support its belief in the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The report comes shortly after the Stern Review warned consumers to prepare for "green taxes" to help curb pollution.

Euan Murray, strategy manager at the Carbon Trust, said: "There has been a definite shift in behaviour. Fifty-three per cent of people felt that in the last year, climate change had become more of an issue for them."

He added: "Consumers want to use their purchasing power to reduce their carbon footprint and that of the UK as a whole."

According to the Carbon Trust, two thirds of UK consumers are likely to choose products with a low carbon footprint. More than half take environmental issues into account when buying consumer products.
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Of those surveyed, 54pc said environmental concerns influenced their purchasing of food and drink, while 50pc said it made them think twice when buying electronic goods. Nearly a third said the environment influenced their choice of financial products.

The survey also found that 74pc of respondents think businesses are not doing enough to tackle climate change.

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