Despite the gloomy economy, consumers say yes! According to the 2009 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey:

* 34 percent of American consumers indicate they are more likely to buy environmentally responsible products today

* another 44 percent indicate their environmental shopping habits have not changed as a result of the economy

* 35 percent of Americans have higher interest in the environment today than they did one year ago

* 35 percent of Americans have higher expectations for companies to make and sell environmentally responsible products and services during the economic downturn

Here’s what may be the most stunning statistic of all: 70 percent of Americans indicate that they are paying attention to what companies are doing with regard to the environment today, even if they cannot buy until the future.

My take-away from this? It pays to make your business as green as possible. And…it’s a great time to start a business that provides a greener product or service.

What do you think?