Ontario retailers lacking in green products, consumers say

Ontario Tire Stewardship's latest survey reveals high demand for sustainable products but small selection

TORONTO, April 13, 2012 /CNW/ - David Suzuki and Ontario teachers may have influenced almost half (44 per cent) of Ontario's consumers to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. But 69 per cent of consumers feel that retailers should offer a broader selection of green products and solutions than what is currently available on store shelves, according to the latest survey by Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS).

When it comes to eco-friendly products available at Ontario retailers, respondents specifically identified outdoor living products (88 per cent), interior and exterior home renovation and maintenance products (88 per cent), and landscaping and gardening products (87 per cent) as key areas for improvement.

Just in time for spring gardening and renovations, Ontario Tire Stewardship will be showcasing a variety of green interior and exterior home and gardening products made from recycled tire rubber at the 2012 Green Living Show held on April 13-15^th at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place.

"Going green isn't a trend. It's an ongoing way of living and doing business to reduce waste and create healthier lives, safer environments and a sustainable future," says Andrew Horsman, Executive Director, Ontario Tire Stewardship. "At this year's Green Living Show, OTS can help visitors find the latest in innovative green home and garden products made of recycled tires, and educate consumers on taking the greener route to everyday lifestyle choices and products."

This year, Ontario Tire Stewardship has partnered with CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), Trees Ontario and Plug'n'Drive to launch the online Autogreen Challenge as part of its educational initiative to offer consumers greener routes to conventional lifestyle habits and products. Consumers can participate in the online Autogreen Challenge by visiting the partner booths at the Green Living Show, or go online at https://autogreen.yowinner.com to complete weekly quizzes for exciting prizes and share their own eco-friendly tips.

Ontario Tire Stewardship is located at booth #706 at the 2012 Green Living Show.

For more information on the eco-friendly tire derived home and garden products featured at the OTS booth at the Green Living Show, download our e-consumer guide at http://www.greenmytires.ca/guide.

About the Survey:

This report presents the findings of a telephone survey conducted by Research House among a provincial random sample of 1,000 adults comprising 500 males and 500 females, 18 years of age and older, living in Ontario. The margin of error for a sample of this size is +/- 3.10%, 19 times out of 20.

Interviewing for this Research House Ontario Telephone Omnibus Survey was completed during the period: March 6 - 28, 2012.

About Ontario Tire Stewardship:
Established in 2009, Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) is an Industry Funding Organization (IFO) incorporated under Ontario's Waste Diversion Act, to implement and operate the Used Tires Program.

The program recycles and reuses the 12 million tires sold annually in the province, preventing them from ending up in landfills or being dumped illegally. Instead, OTS directs these scrap tires to recyclers who use them to make new green products for a variety of applications including home, garden, school, arena, park and more.  Beyond recycling, OTS also educates and encourages Ontarians on the use of tire derived products - items made from used tires that actually last longer and work better than similar products in market, and educates Ontario drivers on how to get the most life and performance from their tires.

For more information, please visit www.GreenMyTires.ca. Follow us on Twitter: @GreenMyTires

To arrange an interview with an Ontario Tire Stewardship representative please contact:

Yuri Park
Environics Communications
416-969-3311
[email protected]