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Finder Green Consumer Report 2021
Finder reports on consumer sentiment towards environmental action.
Going Green: A report on Australian consumer attitudes to climate action
There's no doubt our planet is facing an increasingly pertinent climate crisis. Although the risks of rising sea levels and atmospheric temperatures are widely known, greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow each year. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and animals, ecosystems and humans are increasingly at risk. With one of the highest carbon footprints per capita in the world, Australians are in a position to make real change by simply changing their everyday habits.
Finder's report Going Green examines how Australians feel about the environment and what they are doing to live more sustainably. We explore the economic and psychological drivers that make some demographics more likely to care about and take action against climate change. We also prove that going green can actually save consumers a considerable amount of money in the long term. Finally, Finder's experts provide insight into the growing trend towards sustainability and the easy and money-smart ways consumers can switch to better alternatives.
The good news is that Australians are aware of climate change and are beginning to change their habits. Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker shows two in three Aussies (65%) are concerned about their personal carbon footprint, including 13% who are extremely concerned. In addition, 40% of consumers believe a company's social and environmental efforts are very or extremely important when purchasing products or services.
Switching to sustainable alternatives can save money
Despite common misconception, choosing more environmentally friendly products and services doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, Finder's research found that making a selection of switches, from household products to superannuation to energy, can actually save consumers up to $24,337 over a six-year period.
Switching to a "planetary diet" – one consisting of less meat and processed foods and more plants – came in top place, saving the average household $11,064 over just six years. This is followed by swapping to a high-performing ethical super fund ($6,687), purchasing water-efficient showerheads to reduce water usage ($1,035) and ditching plastic water bottles for a reusable bottle ($950).
Sustainable switch
Savings over a 6-year period
Planetary health diet
$11,064
High-performing ethical super fund
$6,687
Water-efficient showerheads
$1,035
Reusable water bottle
$950
Reusable coffee cups
$760
Menstrual cup
$678
Countertop herb garden
$634
Solar panels
$466
Carbon-neutral energy plan
$456
Sodastream
$380
LED lights
$350
Reusable cleaning wipes
$340
Wax food wraps
$152
Reusable shopping bags
$137
Silicone food bags vs plastic bags
$129
Loose leaf tea
$80
Bamboo dish brush
$38
Total
$24,337
The Finder Green Awards help consumers make more sustainable choices
While our research found most Australians are concerned about their carbon footprints, three in four (76%) agree it's hard to know which products or services are truly better for the environment.
Fortunately, Finder has done the hard work through the Finder Green Awards, which highlight the top companies paving the way in sustainability. From superannuation to cleaning products, the Awards are a great place to start for those looking to switch to environmentally friendly alternatives.
Sophie Wallis is a senior insights analyst with a passion for data storytelling. She spends her time turning complex data into digestible stories and uncovering new consumer trends. When she isn't working, you'll find her planning her next overseas holiday or bingeing on a big novel. Sophie has a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Melbourne.
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There's no doubt our planet is facing an increasingly pertinent climate crisis. Although the risks of rising sea levels and atmospheric temperatures are widely known, greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow each year. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and animals, ecosystems and humans are increasingly at risk. With one of the highest carbon footprints per capita in the world, Australians are in a position to make real change by simply changing their everyday habits.
While our research found most Australians are concerned about their carbon footprints, three in four (76%) agree it's hard to know which products or services are truly better for the environment.