Recession undermines ‘green’ commitments

Dec 24 2009 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

CONSUMERS in Yorkshire are putting cost above conscience in their purchasing decisions, a survey suggests.

Research for business labelling organisation SEE What You Are Buying Into showed that 59% of people in the region would pay a little extra for products which meet a higher ethical standard. That is down from 72% in 2005 and 66% in 2007.

Some 58% of people in the region said they would only work for a firm which was ethical and environmentally responsible. That compares with 71% in 2005 and 70% in 2007.

A SEE spokesman said: “Given intense pressure on household budgets and soaring unemployment, it isn’t surprising that people are less ready to consider social, environmental and ethical issues when spending money or seeking employment.”