A Consumerology survey has found that 80% of Canadians are considering the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. But, that consideration is not necessarily translating into action.
The survey of 1,500 Canadians found that cynicism about green claims and higher costs were primary barriers to adopting more environmentally friendly consumer practices. Respondents felt that green products were perceived to be more expensive than regular products.
The survey found that 85% of Canadians want government enforced standards for what constitutes as an environmentally friendly product as well as labelling that certifies and explains such terms as "green, organic, low emissions," and so on.
According to the survey, consumers view the companies that produce green products as the least trusted sources for information bout the environmental impacts of their products.
The most visible and persuasive initiative a company could adopt to make their businesses more green is to use less packaging, followed by using renewable energy sources for production and reducing energy usage.
The survey also found women were more likely to consider the environmental impact of their purchases, 88% of women respondents versus 71% of male respondents.