Why Everyday Green Consumer Choices Matter

When you consider that just in the last few years the world has seen a dramatic increase in public eco awareness, specifically in ‘green’ consumer knowledge, it is no wonder why there have been so many changes on market shelves. Consumer choices are really making a difference.

The massive and sudden surge of information and eco awareness has created noticeable shifts in global social, environmental, and consumer consumption and resulting expectations. For the first time, consumers are driving environmental and social business sustainability action at the shelf.

Despite the economic climate, consumers continue to show strong interest in the environment and corporate social efforts. Consumer behavior reports indicate that this is more than just a passing trend. According to the Cone survey, the following areas were all up significantly from just one year ago:

•    35 percent of Americans have higher interest in the environment.
•    35 percent of Americans have higher expectations for companies to make and sell environmentally responsible products and services during the economic downturn.
•    34 percent of Americans say they are more likely to buy environmentally friendly products.
•    70 percent of Americans indicate that they are paying attention to what companies are doing with regard to the environment today, even if they cannot buy until the future.

Consumers expectations continue to drive an increase in alternative options and market competition is making product and company differentiation more important. Business leaders are now feeling the pressures and realizing the value in taking proactive action to implement sustainability concept and business sustainability strategies across all areas of their company.

As a sustainability consulting firm, Taiga Company views it as essential for businesses to seek out opportunities to improve their competitive position in response to consumer and market expectations. In addition we encourage clients seeking a more sustainable lifestyle to exercise their sustainable choices at the cash register to further drive change.