The economy might be in a downturn, but according to the 2009 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey, that’s not stopping people from buying green. Despite the recession, Americans are still interested not only in continuing their environmental shopping habits, but also expect that companies maintain and expand their environmental commitments.

The survey, which was conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation over two days at the end of January and questioned 1087 Americans 18 years and older from across the nation, found that:

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.

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.

Environmental purchasing is not just a passing trend. It’s here to stay.

Image: thebittenword