Will economic issues affect your green buying decisions?

[zach]

Will economic issues affect your green buying decisions? I'm wondering if the current economic situation will hurt the progress the green movement has made over the past few years. Will you opt for cheaper products or services to save a few bucks or are you still as dedicated as ever?

[frugalgirl]

Actually, going green can be alot cheaper on your wallet. Not buying paper towels and making your own cleaning products saves alot of money!

be green
frugalgirl

Let's Be Green Together

[TheGreenOffice.co.uk]

Our green business thegreenoffice.co.uk has actually had increased online sales since the downturn! With most company’s trying to attract new business they are now looking to impress by building there green credentials.

[Karl]

So far, this poll has generally shown a majority (> 70%) responding in a positive way (more green + not affect). I suppose that is to be expected, considering the nature of this website

However, the findings of a recent global survey (which had a wider or more general representation) are quite interesting in comparison to the results here. The research was done in September - October 2008, and included 1,000 people in each of Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Britain and the United States.

The 2008 survey found that, while over three quarters of respondents -- 78% -- wanted their countries to reduce their "fair share" of greenhouse gas emissions, they are less willing to change their own lives than in last year's poll:

• 47% said they were ready to change their lifestyle, compared to 58% in 2007. And only 20% said they were prepared to spend more for the environment, compared to 28% a year earlier.

Link to article: World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

[Asher]

In Ontario we really have alot of incentives to go green up here.
The government has worked with the electricity companies and water company to give tax incentives to get us to be more environmentally friendly and eventually go completely green. I just wish we had more windmills providing power!

[zach]

So far, this poll has generally shown a majority (> 70%) responding in a positive way (more green + not affect). I suppose that is to be expected, considering the nature of this website

Yeah, I think the people visiting this site are generally greener. Not a good representation of the overall population.

However, the findings of a recent global survey (which had a wider or more general representation) are quite interesting in comparison to the results here. The research was done in September - October 2008, and included 1,000 people in each of Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Britain and the United States.

The 2008 survey found that, while over three quarters of respondents -- 78% -- wanted their countries to reduce their "fair share" of greenhouse gas emissions, they are less willing to change their own lives than in last year's poll:

• 47% said they were ready to change their lifestyle, compared to 58% in 2007. And only 20% said they were prepared to spend more for the environment, compared to 28% a year earlier.

Link to article: World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

I've found that most people want to be greener but for the majority of people their buying decisions may be influenced by how green a product is but in the end it comes down to a financial decision or a preference for one product over another due to something like perceived quality or taste.

[Matt Johnson]

I always do my best to go green. It is usually cheaper, but sometimes more expensive int the beginning. My first priority is always feeding my family. Right now, for instance, I cannot afford solar or wind energy alternatives, but in the future, when the finances are more fluent, I will most likely consider it.

[MichiganGreen]

The small increase of the price of foods in my northern Michigan residence has caused me to purchase a bit less - but no less organic. While I cannot bike to work, I still maintain a healthy diet of raw organic foods...

It would be nice for the economy to swing back soon, though.

[pumpkindoodle]

Hi Everyone I'm new to the group and just thought I would jump in on the current topic:

I certainly hope it won't affect my buying green products. I can't know - I don't know how bad the economy will get. I do know that I do whatever I can to be green so - I'm doing things now to prepare for it - when it comes. I'm buying books on how to make your own soap and laundry det. Yes, I agree being green can be less expensive depending on how you do it. I cut up old towels and rags -socks etc to use instead of paper towels ( just an example). My guess is that this economy may bring more people into doing greener things. I've been green for a very long time and constantly working towards being greener so I can't see that would change.

[rocko54]

yes i agree. it might take a couple dollars more to buy fluorescent light bulbs for example, but you save in the long run.