According to the 2009 Consumer Environmental Survey, more than one-third of consumers are currently more likely to buy environmentally responsible products than they were one year ago, despite economic concerns. Additionally, about a third have more interest in the environment today compared with one year ago.

An estimated 34% of adult American consumers are more likely to purchase environmentally responsible products today than they were one year ago; by comparison, only 8% say they are less likely to do so and 44% say their environmental purchasing habits have not changed.

More than a third (35%) of U.S. consumers have “higher interest” in the environment today compared to one year ago, while about the same amount have higher expectations for companies to make and sell environmentally responsible products and services during the economic downturn. Seven in 10 (70%) say they pay attention to what companies are doing with regard to the environment, even if they cannot currently make these purchases.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of Americans trust companies to tell them the truth in environmental messaging. Most (85%) consumers believe companies should communicate their environmental commitments year-round.