We Asked
- If the economy worsens, will it affect how you purchase non-toxic, zero-plastic and other eco-friendly products?
Consumers Answered
In an economic landscape marked by inflation and uncertainty, gardeners’ purchasing habits for eco-friendly products are undergoing notable shifts. The survey results, spanning categories like soil, fertilizers, pest control, plant containers, and vegetables, offer a window into these changing behaviors. For instance, a significant portion of respondents (33.91% for soil and 34.57% for fertilizers) reported ‘buying less’ of these products, underscoring the impact of financial constraints on eco-friendly choices. Interestingly, the highest percentage of ‘buying as usual’ was observed in vegetables (41.26%), suggesting that despite economic pressures, maintaining a sustainable approach to food production remains a priority.
However, the data also reveals areas of concern. Pest control sees the highest percentage of gardeners (23.97%) not buying eco-friendly options at all, possibly indicating a gap in affordable or accessible sustainable alternatives in this category. Additionally, a notable number of gardeners find themselves unable to afford eco-friendly options across various categories, with the highest in plant containers (10.70%). Despite these challenges, there is a small but significant segment of gardeners who are ‘buying more’ eco-friendly products, especially in the vegetables category (15.95%), reflecting a dedicated commitment to sustainability even in tough economic times.
