Spending on green products goes up - 11/12/09

The average household spend on energy-efficient products rose to £250 last year, a sign that the UK is going green, according to research.

Despite the recession, people were spending more last year on things like energy-saving lightbulbs and environmentally friendly products, a report by the Co-operative Bank found.

The annual Ethical Consumerism Report showed that a total of £6.4 billion was spent on green products and services last year, an increase of 5% on the previous year.

More money has been going on energy-efficient boilers and lightbulbs, green transport and small-scale renewables. Only "responsible travel" has fallen.

However, despite the steady increase, green products only account for around 1% of total household expenditure.

Tim Franklin, chief operating officer at the Co-operative Bank, said the figures showed political leaders - who are attempting to secure a new deal on tackling climate change in Copenhagen - that many people in the UK were working hard to adopt a greener lifestyle.

But he added: "In order for the UK to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% by 2020 there will need to be a step-change in take-up of low-carbon technologies and this will need a new contract between business, government and the consumer."

Spending on green products goes up - 11/12/09

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