Green Bandwagon Not So Strong Among Consumers

While the media has given a lot of attention to "going green," consumers are a bit ho-hum, according to Yankelovich research. In a survey of 2,763 consumers, the firm found only 34 percent are more concerned about environmental issues than a year ago. Fewer than 22 percent believe they can make a difference with it comes to the environment. "Consumers are not drinking the Kool-Aid when it comes to green," says J. Walker Smith, president of Yankelovich. "While they're highly aware of environmental issues due to the glut of media attention, 'going green' in their everyday life is not a big concern or high priority." The survey shows only 13 percent of respondents have a passionate interest in the environment, while 48 percent are either unmoved or simply don't care.