Gareth Kane on Mixed Consumer Messages
Mulling on evidence that we're happier to talk the talk on the environment than walk the walk, Gareth Kane asks "are we serious?"
A recent study of consumer attitudes in the US has concluded that:
1. That green consumerism is still in a niche,
2. That attitudes are 'mushy' - ie that actions don't always follow attitudes.
I thought that the first conclusion was a bit harsh - the study found that only 29% of US consumers didn't care at all about the environmental impacts of their behaviour. Not bad, in my opinion.
But the mushiness is a real issue. The sales of A-rated energy efficient white goods may be booming, but the Energy Savings Trust estimates that sales of patio heaters are likely to double in the next year.
And its not just patio heaters. As reported here last week, the man behind Cillit Bang (no, not Barry Scott, I'm afraid he doesn't exist), Bart Brecht said “If you ask me, would a consumer buy a product that is more carbon neutral than others? The answer is no…The consumer frequently thinks this is a big issue, but that it is not their problem.”
Just after hearing the patio heater story on the BBC, I got a call from a local radio station looking for my views. I usually try and give a balanced view on any environmental issue, but when it comes to patio heaters I have to be scathing. From a green point of view they are evil incarnate and I told them that straight and trying to heat the atmosphere while you finish that third bottle of rosé after the sun has set is just plain stupid.
But the question remains, how can we reconcile the climate change message and the desire for an ever more comfortable lifestyle? If you have the answer, please let me know.
Until next time,
Gareth
Gareth Kane
Eco-living Blog
Terra Infirma
