How much will you pay to get greener?

July 31, 2008 · Print This Article

Talking green and reducing consumption makes me go all eco-warm inside, but the major experiment comes at the checkout counter.

Let’s face it, a lot of “greener” products and services cost more than their non-green competitors. So, how far are we willing to go? Pretty far, according to a survey by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media and the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies.

Half of Americans would “definitely” or “probably” pay more for a number of greener alternatives, according to the report. that eco-friendly half of Americans are cool with paying 15% more for greener

computer paper or for a planet-friendlier car. About 40% would be fine with spending 15% more for greener computer printer paper and wood furniture.

Environmental friendliness isn’t just for the financially secure either. Americans with fair or poor financial situations reported a similar willingness to pay for assured earth-friendlier materials than financially confident consumers.

The survey additionally reported on the desire of Americans to get more environmental impact data on product labels. A majority of respondents felt it is “important” or “essential” to have specific eco-labeling knowledge on the impact of manufacturing and the disposal of products.

[Source] Eugene Sandhu

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