Consumers need savings to go green EcoAlign has released the results of the fourth EcoPinion Survey on what type of incentives or promotions will motivate US customers to adopt clean and green energy offerings. Discounts were voted the most popular incentives, followed by two-for-one offerings and coupons. The survey, published on August 19, highlights the fact that consumers care first about saving money when thinking about energy efficiency or renewable energy offerings.
Frustration at being forced to go green
New research from Legal & General, released on August 26, reveals that 82% of people in the UK are annoyed by initiatives which force green values onto them. 85% of those aged 55 or over admitted to being annoyed by the implementation of green measures compared to only 74% of 18 to 24 year olds. More than a half of those surveyed were unhappy about charging for waste removal. Over 20% of people disliked initiatives to implement a charge for plastic carrier bags, whilst 22% were against paying for water meters. However the research shows that a large number of people are already taking steps to become greener. Over 80% of Brits recycle rubbish and turn off lights in empty rooms.
eBay ethical products site Ebay launched a new website called WorldofGood.com on September 3. It offers only ethically sourced, organic and environmentally friendly products. The products and sellers are verified by third parties called Trust Providers which include organisations such as Transfair USA, Co-op America and Aid to Artisans. The products are labeled for their positive social and environmental impacts with categories including “empowering people”, “conserving energy” and “made of recycled materials”.
Calypso and Save the Children launch new ethical water brand Calypso has joined forces with Save the Children to launch of a new water brand, Thirst Aid. Calypso aims to raise funds to provide clean drinking water in Ethiopia. The initiative was launched on August 4 and its key objective will be to create new springs and wells, protect existing wells and provide ongoing education in basic sanitation and good health practices. 5p from every 500ml bottle of Thirst Aid will go directly to Save the Children. The company aims to raise £55,000 within two years through UK sales. For updates visit www.thirstaidwater.co.uk.
Britain’s fashion industry split on garment factory workers pay
Five retailers – Monsoon Accessorise, Gap, Marks &Spencer, Next and New Look – say they plan detailed projects to improve pay, according to a new report launched by Labour Behind the Label. The ‘Let’s Clean Up Fashion’ report, launched on September 12 revealed that five more – Sainsbury’s, Asda, Primark, Tesco and Arcadia– claim they will do something, but lack concrete information. Of the retailers surveyed – those with the biggest market share – ten companies ( Clarks, Debenhams, French Connection, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Laura Ashley, Matalan, Mosaic Fashions, River Island and Levi Strauss & Co) admitted they had no plans to do anything about garment employees’ poverty wages.
Research reveals shoppers’ priorities
Research findings published on September 12 showed that shoppers are more likely to consider cost, quality and healthiness over environmental factors when buying their food and groceries. 53% of consumers said that they did consider at least one environmental issue when food shopping. Commissioned by the UK Food Standards Agency, the research focuses on how sustainability issues impact on people’s food choices. The FSA Board is considering how sustainable development could be embedded into future policy making in a way that benefits consumers now and in the future.
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