Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Shoppers Are Defying the Financial Crisis and Buying Green Products

Jan 20, 2009 00:01 ET


Retailers Perceived to Have "Green" Agendas Are Poised to Benefit From Consumers Choosing to Purchase Environmentally Friendly Products During the Downturn

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - January 20, 2009) - Consumers are becoming more green-conscious as the global economic crisis worsens, according to a report published today by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

In a survey of 9,000 consumers in North America, Europe, China, and Japan, BCG found that more shoppers systematically purchased green products in 2008 than in 2007. Some 34 percent of Europeans (up 2 percent from 2007) said they would continue to systematically look for and purchase green products. In a complementary survey of 1,040 consumers carried out in the United States this month, some 32 percent said they still systematically look for or often purchase green products.

These findings -- published in "Capturing the Green Advantage for Consumer Companies" -- reflect consumers' growing alarm about the state of the environment and suggest that they have not abandoned their principles as their financial woes have increased. This will be reassuring to companies that have invested heavily in green products, which is a business now worth billions globally.

"Will consumers continue to care about green issues now that the economy has taken a nosedive? The answer, judging from our research, is a resounding yes," said Catherine Roche, coauthor of the report and a partner in BCG's Düsseldorf office.

In Italy, 20 percent of consumers -- the highest proportion of the nine countries surveyed -- reported that they shop for green products in a systematic way. This reflects the fact that Italian consumers -- along with those in France -- are the most concerned about the environment: 76 percent agreed with the statement that "our environment is in a very bad state." In Spain, where 63 percent expressed concern for the environment, 17 percent said they shop systematically for green products.

In the United States, 16 percent of consumers -- or one in six -- were systematic shoppers for green products in 2008. Some 61 percent said the environment is in a very bad state.

In the United Kingdom, where (out of the five European countries surveyed) the lowest proportion of consumers -- 58 percent -- expressed concern for the environment, only 15 percent said they shop systematically for green products. In Japan, where a mere 52 percent think the environment is in a very bad state, just 11 percent of consumers are active green shoppers.

But while consumers are increasingly committed green shoppers, they are not altogether disregarding their financial concerns. Joe Manget, coauthor of the report and a senior partner in BCG's Toronto office, said, "The most popular green behavior is also budget friendly."

More than 75 percent of respondents said they turn off their home electronics when they are not using them. Other top-ten actions include using low-energy light bulbs (72 percent), using energy-efficient appliances (62 percent), and purchasing locally produced products (slightly more than half). By contrast, the least attractive green actions are those that are most costly: only 7 percent own a hybrid car, just over 13 percent put money into an environmentally friendly investment fund, and only about 16 percent do not own a car.

This is not to say that consumers are resistant to a "green premium," Mr. Manget said. "Although some consumers, particularly in China, are unwilling to pay a premium for green products, one-third of consumers across all the other countries we surveyed said they would pay between 5 and 10 percent more for green products -- so long as they were convinced that the products offered direct benefits."

BCG's Global Green Consumer Survey questioned approximately 9,000 adults, aged 18 to 65, in nine countries through online questionnaires sent to respondents in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States and -- in order to get a sense of the opinions of consumers in emerging markets -- through face-to-face interviews in seven major cities in China. The survey, carried out in July 2008, explored consumers' awareness of environmental issues, their behavior when shopping for green products, their willingness to pay a premium for green products in more than 50 categories, and their perceptions of green retailers and brands. BCG also interviewed executives at 20 leading consumer companies about their green strategies and experiences.

Source: The Boston Consulting Group

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Friday, January 16, 2009

For the First Time, Company is Offering Eco Friendly Oil and Transmission Products that Increase Vehicle Longevity to the Public

Engine and transmission repairs are costly. Now, a new technology adds miles and years to your car's engine and transmission.

Dallas (Vocus/PRWEB ) January 14, 2009 -- RXP Oil Boost and RXP Trans has just made their way to the marketplace, thanks to EcoRadiant Technology. The products are used by those who want to get better performance and increased longevity out of their vehicles. In addition, they are eco friendly products.

EcoRadiant Technology (www.ecoradianttechnology.com) has just announced it is offering RXP Oil and RXP Trans to their customers. The two products are both bringing excitement to drivers that are looking to get more out of their vehicles. The products help vehicles hold up over time by helping combat normal wear and tear and keeping the vehicle in good running shape.

Both products work to keep vehicles out of the repair shop. They are able to combat the normal problems vehicles have, thus saving a great deal in repair bills.

RXP Oil Boost has been used in by major oil companies for years to prevent equipment failure. Now, for the first time, it is available to the consumer. This product has many features, including a decrease in the wear in the engine, and also an increase in acceleration.

Those who use the product also report it makes vehicles easier to start in cold weather. Those who have a vehicle that does not start well when it is cold out can benefit from RXP Oil Boost.

Another exciting aspect of RXP Oil Boost is it improves the gas mileage of the vehicle. This is very exciting for drivers as they fight against another expected rise in gas prices. The best gas mileage occurs when this product is combined with RXP Generation II. RXP Generation II is another product that is available by EcoRadiant Technology (www.ecoradianttechnology.com).

RXP Trans also has a lot of features that have caused excitement. Transmission repair on automatic transmissions can be costly, and most drivers want to avoid it at all costs. RXP Trans helps the vehicle's transmission stay in good shape, thus resulting in fewer repairs. In addition, it helps the transmission run cooler.

People who use the product find they can get much more use out of their transmissions. They do not have to replace their transmissions when they normally would, and they also do not have to get them repaired as often as normal. Because of that, consumers are able to save a great deal of money.

Both products were made with the environment in mind. EcoRadiant Technology only works with green products. The products in their inventory have all been selected because of their eco friendly qualities.

Those interested in learning more about the products or making a purchase can visit them online at www.ecoradianttechnology.com.

EcoRadiant Technology has a strong focus on green products and technology. They provide products for vehicles, homes and plants, and also provide products such as shampoo. They focus on natural, environmentally friendly products. They have an extensive list of eco friendly products available for sale on their website and through distributors.

For additional information on EcoRadiant Technology
www.ecoradianttechnology.com

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Monday, January 5, 2009

Discovery Green DVD & Book


GOING GREEN? See what's at stake for your Family and the World with this revealing DVD and Book from Discovery Channel.


Green: The New Red, White and Blue
One of Discovery's most popular DVDs! Pulitzer Prize winner and best-selling author Thomas L. Friedman reporting. Watch Friedman find solutions to global warming and learn why it makes good sense to go green!

Earth Book: Our Changing Planet
The newest book from Discovery! Loaded with vivid satellite photographs, colorful maps and detailed illustrations; Earth Book brings to life a wide range of critical issues from human pressure on the environment to the growth of renewable energy sources.

Get the DVD plus the Book at one bargain price!
The DVD and book sell separately for $37.00. ORDER NOW and Receive BOTH for only $24.95 plus FREE SHIPPING!










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