Environment Comes Second to Self for Nearly 1 in 3 According to Earth Day Survey from Lavish & Lime

Individual health and welfare is just as important as the environment for nearly 2 out of 3 of consumers (65%), but for close to one third (31%), they themselves are the top priority when making a purchase.

Just 3.9% of respondents of the Earth Day 2010 Survey conducted by eco-friendly boutique Lavish & Lime, said the impact of a product on the environment was more important than whether it was healthy for them. The online survey was conducted March 31-April 12 with 350 respondents across Canada taking part.

When asked to rate the importance of a product being natural/non-toxic and environmentally friendly 60% rated natural/non-toxic as extremely important. This figure jumped to 77% when respondents were asked about buying products for children. Less than half (45%) rated environmental friendliness as extremely important.

“People are naturally focused on self-preservation,” said Colin Campbell, founder of Lavish & Lime. “It’s human nature to look after ourselves first before everything else – including the earth. Hopefully, Earth Day next week (April 22nd) will be a reminder that we need to think about the consequences of our actions on the environment today, as our grand kids have to live with them tomorrow.”

As for paying the price to go green, close to half of all respondents (46%) would pay up to 20% more for an eco-friendly product that is biodegradable or made of recycled material over its conventional counterpart. More than a third (37%) would pay 50% more for a natural/non-toxic product that is chemical-free or made of natural material.

The push for reducing plastic shopping bag use appears to be working with 88% of respondents owning more than five reusable shopping bags or baskets. Nearly 9 out of 10 respondents (89%) support a ban on plastic shopping bags in their city.

More than half of respondents (55%) said they almost always reduce their consumption of water, electricity, etc., 79% said they almost always reuse lunch gear, older items, etc. and 94% said they almost always recycle newspapers, glass, etc. Other popular steps people are taking to greener living include: walking; using public transport; hanging clothes to dry; composting and less flushing.

For a complete summary of survey results, visit: lavishandlime.com/earthdaysurvey.

Established in 2007, Vancouver-based Lavish & Lime is a leading source for everyday eco-friendly products for greener living. Items are vetted by a review panel - experts at spotting unique and useful finds - and each product is either friendly to the environment, natural/non-toxic and/or made in Canada. Lavish & Lime can be found at lavishandlime.com.