More Evidence: Go Green to Tap the Local Market for your Business

By Patricia Gilbanks

The Environmental Leader reports today on new research showing consumers are looking closely at having a green impact when purchasing products and choosing investments. How does 3 out of 4 consumers sound?

That’s the number who say their purchasing and investment decisions are influenced by the opinions and recommendations of environmental groups.

And here is big news for local Connecticut environmental groups. The survey also found that a company’s green efforts are more credible when endorsed by environmental groups whose work has an impact on their local community.

Where do consumers turn for information? The research finds they go to the websites of environmental groups, friends and family and search engines, and consider these sources the most trustworthy.

When they check out a company’s products or bottom line they look for information on environmental practices and policies, which environmental organizations the company supports, and their relationships  with consumers in establishing and encouraging eco-friendly practices.

And now consumers check out a company’s support beyond the large well-known environmental groups such as the World Wildlife Fund or the Sierra Club as well. They want to see if companies are supporting green efforts in their own community that are being run  by regional and local environmental organizations.

The Environmental Leader (www.environmentalleader.com) is a daily trade publication for business owners and corporate executives covering environmental and sustainability news as well as the latest on corporate environmental initiatives. Read the full article on today's consumers and their desire to have a local impact.