Although worried about the economy,
consumers are willing to buy energy-efficient products and services, if
they see immediate savings, according to a national survey released today.
The survey, one of four annual surveys conducted by The Shelton Group, found
that 71% of consumers cited saving money as a reason to buy
energy-efficient products. Far fewer chose "to protect the environment" (55%) and "to protect the quality of life for future generations" (49%).
That is a notable change from the surveys conducted by The
Shelton Group in 2006 and 2007--before the recession--when consumers cited
"to protect the environment" most often.
"Americans are concerned about their jobs, their homes and their bank
accounts. They're now more focused on saving money than saving the Amazon,"
said Suzanne Shelton, president of The Shelton Group, which conducted the
study. "Yes, conserving energy is the greenest thing anybody can do, but
consumers are not buying more efficient products because they want to save
the world. They want products that can save them money in the long run."
This survey matches a trend also recognized by a new Gallup poll released last Thursday, which found that more than half of U.S. adults said economic growth is the country's top priority even if it hurts the environment.
It was the first time since Gallup began asking the question in 1984, that Americans have put the economy ahead of the environment.
While 51% said the economy is more important, 42% picked the environment.
