Study finds consumers demanding more ‘green’ from electronics brands

GreenFactor, an ongoing global technology and environmental research initiative, finds that consumers are getting more savvy about green and are demanding that electronics brands provide more clear information about their products’ energy savings, as well as sustainable materials, and shipping and production methods. The GreenFactor survey was conducted by Strategic Oxygen and Cohn & Wolfe during Sept. and Oct. 2008.  The primary findings of the survey of more than 10,000 adults in 12 major markets around the world include:

• “Saving energy” ranks first in importance to U.S. consumers considering green electronics (54 percent); “design” (5 percent) is near the bottom of the list of attributes and “image” (4 percent) is dead last.
• The number one barrier to green sales of consumer electronics in the U.S. is “lack of awareness” (53 percent) – that is, brands are not adequately educating consumers on the energy savings and other environmentally-friendly aspects of their products. The number two barrier to purchase is “price” (45 percent).
• Consumers say they rely heavily on information on a product’s “packaging” (33 percent), a “brand’s web site” (32 percent), and “independent brand comments online” (28 percent) rather than seeking green product input from “friends / peers” (13 percent).
• Consumers still are reticent to pay premiums for green gadgets: 57 percent say they do not expect to pay premiums and are not willing to pay. Only 15 percent of consumers say they are expecting premiums and are willing to pay.

“We’re seeing green trends globally, and it’s shocking how consistent consumer needs are worldwide for information about green electronics,” said Michael Gale, CEO of Strategic Oxygen. “There is a global green ethos emerging with global definitions for how consumers see green. This is one of the few worldwide trends Strategic Oxygen research reveals for marketing as a whole.”

Seventh Generation benefits Healthy Child Healthy World through eco-diaper bag sales

Looking for the perfect green gift for new and expectant parents this holiday? Seventh Generation offers the Wee Generation Eco-Diaper Bag, directly benefiting eco-advocacy Healthy Child Healthy World.  The recyclable Wee Generation Eco-Diaper Bag features PVC-free material made from recycled beverage bottles, is gender neutral for both mom and dad and has light-colored lining for easier visual cues, in addition to many other highly-functional qualities.  Created for parents by parents, the bag was designed in collaboration with acclaimed green architect and visionary William McDonough, innovative design firm IDEO and Rickshaw Bagworks – a leading manufacturer and designer of sustainable urban bags.  Available for purchase at www.weegeneration.com, the bag is priced at $200 with 100 percent of profits directly benefitting Healthy Child Healthy World’s mission to educate parents, support protective policies, and engage communities to make responsible decisions, simple everyday choices, and well-informed lifestyle improvements.  The bag is also loaded with $100 worth of eco-friendly treats including Seventh Generation non-toxic, green home cleaning and baby product vouchers, a copy of the book Naturally Clean: The Seventh Generation Guide to Safe and Healthy Non-Toxic Cleaning, a Wee Generation baby T and healthy household tips from Healthy Child Healthy World (a total value of $300.) The bag is available only through 2008.

ecomii.com reaches 1 million conscious consumers and launches new blogs

ecomii™, an independent ‘green’ lifestyle destination for consumers, has announced that ecomii has reached over 1 million consumers according to comScore’s October 2008 report. Among green lifestyle sites, ecomii ranked 3^rd behind only Yahoo Green and MSN Green, respectively.  Todd O’Donald, ecomii co-founder and managing director said, “ecomii brings an authoritative resource consumers can trust to help answer questions about how to lead a more environmental and health conscious lifestyle while being practical and mindful of cost. We are very pleased that our site is connecting with the needs of conscious consumers during these tumultuous times and our efforts have afforded us a position amongst comScore’s top green lifestyle destinations.”  In related news, ecomii has added several new blogs for conscious consumers and eco-enthusiasts at www.ecomii.com/blogs. The new blogs present in-depth commentary and meaningful analysis from authoritative industry sources to help consumers make informed decisions.  Highlighting underexposed ideas and research, ecomii blogs reflect current issues on the minds of consumers through in-depth commentary and meaningful analysis. The blogs are written by seasoned writers and provide an open forum for those who want to contribute to the discourse. The blogs include:

• ecomii Business Blog: follows the progress of change within the green economy and explores what others are saying about sustainable companies and green investment opportunities.
• ecomii Car Blog: offers the latest efficient car features and styles, the newest technologies leading auto innovation and the ability to share stories on how you can green your ride.
• ecomii Politics Blog: provides a forum where you can follow the status of green policies, the progress on green issues and the current impact on green lifestyles.
• ecomii Renewable Energy Blog: allows visitor’s to discover what renewable energy really means and how it will ease U.S. dependence on oil and fossil fuels.
• ecomii Simple Living Blog: shares insightful green ideas to help you lead a healthy lifestyle and exchange stories on creating and maintaining a non-toxic environment at home, work and play.
• ecomii Green Building Blog: follows the latest in green design, remodeling, building techniques, the newest products and where to buy them.
• ecomii Parenting Blog: provides easy ways to ‘parent green’, keep children entertained and active, plus ideas on how to raise your children in a healthier environment.

 “We want everyone, from consumers who just started hearing the terms green and sustainable to those who simply seek a healthier lifestyle for their families, to find value in our comprehensive guides while fostering an inclusive sense of community and action,” O’Donald continued. “It’s important for ecomii to be a valuable tool, not only to those already working toward a greener future, but also to individuals who may not know why these topics matter. These blogs provide a context for that dialogue coupled with the resources to make informed decisions on living greener, one goal at a time.”