  Fewer of us are using reusable shopping bags (2% vs. 7% in 2009). (Photo: Shutterstock)
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Canadians scored just 56.6 out of 100 on the second annual Canadian Green Home Index, released earlier this month.
The index, developed by Environics Research for The Home Depot Canada, tracks consumer attitudes and behaviours as a means to measure progress toward making households better for the environment. Over 2,000 Canadians 18 and over were polled.
When it comes to environmental initiatives and actions taken at home, this year’s 56.6 rating is down 3.4 points from last year’s inaugural index.
The economic impact
Why have Canadians not done more to go green at home? Almost one-third (26%) cite economic reasons.
The index showed a reduction in green household purchases both large and small. Just 18% of homeowners said they bought energy-efficient light bulbs, green household cleaning products or products with less packaging (vs. 38% in 2009). And 32% of respondents reported buying energy-efficient appliances, commissioning home energy audits or installing insulation over the past year (vs. 36% in 2009).
“Tough economic times can put pressure on environmental best practices,” saysd Gino DiGioacchino, vice-president of merchandising for The Home Depot Canada. “But environmentally preferred products can save money over time – it’s just a matter of educating consumers on how green products can be incorporated into their lifestyle to make a difference for the environment and from a dollar-savings perspective.”
Sticking with it
But the economy isn’t the only thing impacting green living.
When asked why they haven’t increased green initiatives at home this year, a further third of Canadians (29%) believe they’ve already done everything they can to reduce the environmental impact of their homes.
The index reveals that while some green actions are up, there is a downward trend in many simple green measures, including the following findings:
• Fewer Canadians report turning down the heat or air conditioner to reduce electricity (7% vs. 12% in 2009)
• Fewer consumers are using reusable shopping bags (2% vs. 7% in 2009)
Overall, while homeowners across the country still feel confident they can make their homes greener (up two points on this year’s Index), fewer Canadians report they’ve taken actions to reduce their household impact on the environment (down nine points from 2009).
Last year, The Home Depot sold more than 2 million Energy Star products, which reduced Canadian customers’ energy consumption by over 230 million kWh and lowered greenhouse gas emissions by over 121,000 metric tonnes annually. Through its first Go Low Flow two-day water conservation event, the chain sold 44,000 efficient toilets, helping to reduce water consumption by over 850 million litres per year – enough water to fill 340 Olympic-size swimming pools.
