Fully two-thirds of consumers are likely to
switch their spending to companies that have demonstrated a commitment to
green policies, further illustrating how important the environment is to
Canadian consumers, according to a survey released today by Bullfrog
Power(TM), Ontario's first 100 per cent green electricity retailer.
The poll, by Environics Research Group, is the first snapshot to capture
how Canadians view companies not just on the basis of the goods or services
they provide, but the way they do business, specifically when it comes to how
they care for the environment. And it proved what many suspected is true:
Canadian consumers are more attracted to companies that have clearly shown a
commitment to a cleaner, greener environment.
In the survey of more than 1,000 Canadians conducted Feb. 7-14, 67 per
cent said they are likely to switch to banks, stores and other retail or
service outlets that have demonstrated their commitment to the environment. In
British Columbia and Alberta, consumers are most likely to make the switch,
with 7 in 10 responding that they would move their business, followed by
Ontario at 68 per cent and Quebec at 64 per cent.
In addition, 75 per cent of Canadians surveyed said they are likely to
change their own shopping habits to purchase more environmentally friendly
goods and services, even if it means paying a premium price. Regionally,
British Columbians were the most likely to change, at 83 per cent, followed by
Ontarians at 78 per cent and Albertans at 75 per cent.
"We're seeing a fundamental shift in consumer behavior that reflects the
increased mainstreaming of environmental consciousness," said Michael Adams,
founding president of the Environics group of research and communications
consulting companies. "Canadians are exercising their consumer power by
actively and very deliberately rewarding those companies who are taking action
on the environment."
The national poll also found women consumers (80 per cent) were more
likely than men (69 per cent) to change their shopping habits in favour of
environmentally friendly goods and services. However, consumer interest in
green companies, including banks, malls and retail stores did not vary between
different income levels.
"Canadian consumers are demonstrating their environmental awareness,
leadership and action," said Tom Heintzman, President, Bullfrog Power. "During
this period of heightened awareness about environmental issues, consumers are
clearly looking for green products and also looking to support businesses that
have demonstrated environmental stewardship."
Bullfrog Power is the only electricity retailer in Ontario that buys
power exclusively from pollution-free wind and low-impact hydro generators who
meet or exceed the federal government's Environmental Choice(M) Program
EcoLogo(M) standard for renewable electricity.
Bullfrog Power provides homes, businesses and non-profit organizations
with a convenient, easy way to go green. A number of Ontario businesses have
already demonstrated environmental leadership by signing up for Bullfrog
Power, including RBC Financial Group, Wal-Mart, Ivanhoe Cambridge, Cadbury
Adams, and Credit Union Central of Ontario. Residential customers and members
of the Bullfrog Founders Club include Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip, Mark
Cullen, Jamie Kennedy, David Crombie, Thomas Homer-Dixon, Graham Gibson and
Margaret Atwood.
The Environics Research Group national survey was conducted among 1,013
Canadians and is considered accurate within plus or minus 3.1 percentage
points, 19 times in 20. Survey data is weighted to replicate actual population
distribution by age and sex according to most recent 2001 Census data.
The complete survey results are available online at
http://www.bullfrogpower.com/news/Survey_Data.pdf
About Bullfrog Power
Bullfrog Power(TM) is a 100 per cent green electricity retailer in
Ontario that sources electricity exclusively from wind and low-impact water
power producers who meet or exceed the federal government's EcoLogo(M)
standard for renewable energy. Bullfrogpowered(TM) customers ensure that their
electricity dollars support clean, renewable energy producers who are
displacing polluting and CO2-emitting electricity production on the Ontario
grid. Bullfrog Power has pledged 10 per cent of company profits to
organizations that promote sustainability. Visit Bullfrog Power on the web at
www.bullfrogpower.com.
Contact Us
Michael Adams, founder of Environics Research Group, and Tom Heintzman,
President of Bullfrog Power, are both available for interviews.
For further information: Bill Walker, Senior Vice President, Veritas
Communications, Tel: (416) 482-2248, Mobile: (416) 558-8766, Email:
walker@veritascanada.com
Labels: environmentally friendly, green, green travel
