Environmental concerns remain firmly on consumers’s agendas despite fears that some may abandon their ethics in the recession, according to new research.
Figures from the Carbon Trust state that two-thirds of customers say that environmental considerations still influence their shopping as much as they did a year ago, with more than a quarter reporting that they were now even more conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases.
The carbon-reduction award scheme reports that two out of three people think it is important to buy from environmentally responsible companies, while one in seven said they would shop elsewhere depending on ethical policy.
Harry Morrison, chief executive of the Carbon Trust, told The Times: “I understand this sentiment that for some businesses, survival is critical now. But from an environmental perspective, the clock is ticking - we don't have much time. In addition, cutting carbon has an immediate bottom-line effect as costs drop, and a medium-term benefit for the brand.”
“When companies are granted [the Carbon Trust standard] they can use a logo in all their marketing, which makes it clear that they are working towards cutting emissions.”
The British Retail Consortium has said that making commitments to environmental policy helps to differentiate them from competitors and they will continue.
The biggest 5,000 companies in the UK will be required to buy carbon allowances to offset their emissions from next year. Those that have taken early action will have a head start.
More than two-thirds of consumers were unsure which companies are environmentally responsible.
Retailers have already surpassed a voluntary target to reduce the use of carrier bags by 25 per cent and aim to cut this by 50 per cent by the end of May.
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