Canadians support companies with green business practices

WEB FEATURE

Canadians support companies with green business practices
Businesses that demonstrate they’re operating in an environmentally responsible manner may have a strategic advantage.

June 23, 2010, TORONTO –
Businesses that demonstrate they’re operating in an
environmentally responsible manner may have a strategic advantage.

A recent TD Canada
Trust Green Business Survey reveals nearly four in 10 (38 per cent)
Canadians say they “want to buy from a business that cares about
the environment.” An additional 20 per cent are even more
passionate and want businesses to know that “if you are not considering
the environment, your business may suffer.”

“Our research also shows that more than one quarter of Canadians would consider paying more for goods and services if the company can demonstrate environmentally responsible business practices,” says Karen Clarke-Whistler, TD’s chief environment officer.
 
The survey also revealed that nearly 40 per cent of Canadians say they seek out environmentally responsible products and services. “No matter how big or small the business, making a few changes could easily reduce a company’s environmental footprint and help them stand out to increasingly environmentally conscious consumers,” says Clarke-Whistler.
 
Reducing energy and fuel use, saving paper and greening the supply chain are areas where business owners can reduce their environmental impact and save money.
 
“More and more we’re hearing from customers who are taking steps to green their businesses – they know that environmentally responsible practices are good for both the environment and their businesses,” says Alec Morley, Senior Vice President, Small Business Banking, TD Canada Trust. “We want small business owners to know they can take simple steps that can green their businesses, save them money, and ultimately attract more customers.”

The TD Canada Trust Green Business Survey polled adult Canadians from across the country to explore the relationship between consumers and environmentally responsible businesses. The survey was conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion, a division of Vision Critical, on March 30, 2010, with English and French speaking Canadians age 18 and up. The sample size includes 1,006 men and women.