Eco-shoppers remain committed

Eco-shoppers are remaining committed to the environment despite soaring food price and tightening of household budgets, a new report has found.

Virgin Money today published a report showing that 80 per cent of shoppers have made no change or even increased the amount they spent on environmentally friendly products since the economic downturn.

In the survey of 1,000 adults, those under the age of 25 and over the age of 65 were most committed to maintaining their shopping habits.

Only 13 per cent of those over 65 said that because of the current economic situation they had been forced to reduce the amount of green products they bought.

In total, 76 per cent of UK shoppers now include some kind of eco-friendly product in their regular shopping trips.

Virgin Money spokesman Scott Mowbray said: "It's not easy being green, particularly at a time when many are feeling the pinch due to increases in the cost of outgoings such as fuel, food and other household bills.

"It's not uncommon to see expensive goods decline in popularity during a time of economic downturn but the research shows that concern for the environment is not a passing fad and consumers are prepared to make other sacrifices in order to stay green."

Those in the Midlands seem most dedicated to green shopping with 85 per cent having maintained or increased their purchase of eco-friendly products.