Do you think that young people are more environmentally-conscious? That’s what I used to think too, until I read a recent article about the purchasing of green eco-friendly products among various demographics. Turns out that the over-50 crowd is the most likely to buy earth-friendly items. So you may want to rethink that solar-powered backpack for your teenager this holiday season.The Toronto-based firm ICOM Information and Communications focuses on studying the purchasing habits of consumers in the United States. ICOM found that Americans older than 50 are the most likely to buy green eco-friendly products, such as solar-powered cell phone chargers and related items. Why is this?
There are several factors in play that lead to the surprising results for the over-50 group. First, they are less cynical about the value of green eco-friendly products. Second, and maybe more importantly, people over-50 are less price sensitive. In short, these wise, middle-aged people understand the value of paying a bit more for a product that will have less impact on the environment. And, they believe advertising alleging the benefits of green eco-friendly products.
Sorry, but this group isn't buying it!
ICOM’s survey shows that women are at both ends of the spectrum. Women over-50 are the most likely to buy green eco-friendly products (75% of the people in this group would do so). On the other hand, women ages 18-20 are the least likely to buy such products (19%).
Companies that make solar panels and solar powered items should recognize these facts when marketing their products. Among other things, ICOM stressed that such companies should emphasize value and discounts, the “feel good” result of using green eco-friendly products, and support the validity of environmental claims.
Being as I am just about to enter the 40 and above crowd, I believe that my peers are likely to buy solar panels and other green eco-friendly products. As for the younger, “hipper group,” maybe they just don’t know how cool it is to go green!
What do you think about the results of ICOM’s survey? Age aside, are you in the camp of green eco-friendly products, or otherwise?
Tags: green eco-friendly products, ICOM information and communications, over-50
Peter (age 30). It’s unfortunate that the younger group lack the maturity to take responsibility for the earth’s wellbeing. I solute the older population leading the charge in adopting smarter energy.
I am launching my own solar panel distribution company this year, so appreciate the insight your blog has provided.
Many thanks
Peter
Hi Peter – I agree. I am (in my humble opinion), a young 40 and I cannot believe that we are being out-greened by the older generations. Best of luck with your solar panel distribution company. I suspect you’ll have great success.
Stephanie
Hi Peter. It depends on the product. As the founder of http://www.greenfeet.com we’ve found the younger generation attracted to many green, eco-friendly products. This includes products ranging from laptop bags made from recycled soda bottles, to healthy water bottles and reusable bags and beyond. I agree that some of the younger generation can’t afford a solar gadget charger (hmmm – food or charger?) but we find they still make changes where they can and are very enthusiastic and passionate about making a difference.
We also get a lot of questions from them on how to live green on a budget so I still have faith in our younger generation. They care!
Nice blog -great source for solar info!
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Perhaps its not so much that the younger generation are not mature enough to take a make a more ‘eco-friendly’ purchase decision, but more that the younger generation is more informed. I am a 21 yr old university student, and i will admit that i dont make many ‘eco-friendly’ buying decisions but this is NOT because i dont care about the environment but its because that i know that more than half of the products that claim to be eco-friendly are simply not.
Simple house hold products like washing detergent, toilet paper ect. claim to be environmentally friendly by placing the world green, organic, natural in the packaging. Rarely these products actually ‘eco – friendly’ its a simple act of Greenwashing, in order to get more sales. They greenwash a product so that consumers feel better about buying a product thinking that they are doing better to the environment (when they dont) simply so the consumer can sleep beter at night.
Considering that the younger generation has a lower income, and most of the ‘eco-friendly’ products are much more expensive then the regular ones, it is clear to see why the younger generation is not going ‘green’.