The Consumer Side Of Sustainability

Hartman’s report, Sustainability: Understanding the Consumer Perspective, identifies the attitude shift that drives consumer interest in sustainability. The study found that 93% of consumers say or do something to consciously incorporate sustainability into their daily lives, including specific practices identified in the report

The vast majority of consumers (93%) incorporate some act of sustainability into their daily lives. Primary methods of accomplishing this include the purchase of sustainable products that offer direct personal benefit, most often related to health and wellness. Food and beverage purchases that are local, natural, or organic are examples of such purchases.

Among other sustainable practices identified by the research:

• 45% of consumers currently own water filters.
• 32% own natural household cleaning products.
• 27% own household air purifiers.
• 77% regularly recycle household items.
• 76% turn off the faucet to conserve water while brushing their teeth.
• 73% regularly donate household items to charitable organizations.
• 27% compost kitchen and yard waste.
• 65% purchase compact florescent light bulbs.