Brand, price more important than green for consumers
Brand and price are the most important consideration for consumers when deciding on buying electronic goods, according to Panasonic.
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Despite recent publicity surrounding environmental issues, including the "carbon tax", brand and price are the most important consideration for consumers when deciding on buying electronic goods, according to Macquarie University.
Macquarie University surveyed 2000 consumers on their buying behaviour when choosing air-conditioners, refridgerators, televisions and digital cameras. It found that while three out of four people were concerned about the environmental impact of their buying choices, only one in five people acted on it.
Cynthia Webster, associate professor at Macquarie University, said that most people are aware that their buying behaviour has an effect on the environment.
"What we say and what we do [are] two different things sometimes, and there's not a one-to-one correspondence because we actually are quite positive towards the environment, we're concerned about it", Webster said.
"We're positive towards eco-friendly features, but it doesn't mean they're going to purchase them", she continued.
The study suggested that while the power (and water) usage of washing machines and air conditioners was high on the list, it was only a moderate consideration in the purchase of a TV and a low priority when buying a camera.
Professor Tim Flannery, Panasonic's chair in environmental sustainability at Macquarie University, said he was focused on encouraging people to see the economical and financial benefits of buying green-friendly.
"Awareness of environmental issues is extremely high and our next challenge is to turn that into everyday action," Professor Flannery said.
Panasonic also announced its ambitions to further green-friendly power usage in Australia by introducing power storage in the home, in the next two to three years, through the use of lithium ion batteries connected to the household electricity supply.
Steve Rust, Panasonic Australia's managing director, said the initial offerings would be for "early adopters" and that it would be a "start game" not an "end game" when it came to the potential savings, via the use of home energy storage, for the customer.