A new study, 2012 Energy Habits, Awareness & Perceptions, prepared for: Swanson Russell & Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) by Harris Interactive, provides detailed findings about consumer attitudes toward purchasing environmentally friendly products.

Researchers found that eight in 10 Americans indicated that at least one or more factors prevent them from buying the products. Fifty-two percent cited cost, saying that the item(s)were too expensive compared to traditional purchases. Respondents 35 to 44 years old were more likely to give this reason than those ages 55 and up, as were households with more people. College graduates also cited cost more than others.

Roughly one-third of Americans indicated they couldn’t conveniently find environmentally friendly products to buy. Americans 55 and up were significantly more likely than 18-to-34-year-olds to indicate that inability.

About one-fourth of Americans did not purchase environmentally friendly products because other products have a better reputation. Perceived reputation versus other products is a stronger factor among males than females, and is cited less frequently among the 65-plus age group than in any other segment. 55-to-64-year-olds are more likely than 18-to-34-year-olds to cite their family and friends not purchasing environmentally friendly products as a reason not to do so.

Nearly two in 10 Americans indicate that none of these factors have impeded them from purchasing more environmentally friendly products—only 2 percent indicated that they didn’t know.

For more information and to read the complete study, visit PropaneCouncil.org.