So-called “green” products had the spotlight last year, and now may researchers are pondering if the trend in going green will become a mainstay amid the global slowdown. Analysts are also considering whether green exchange traded funds (ETFs) can sustain with the new economic environment.

Shoppers Go and Stay Green. The Boston Consulting Group conducted a survey of 9,000 consumers in East Asia, Europe and North America and found that shoppers actually searched for and purchased green products last year, in 2008, more so than in 2007. Research also proves that consumers are willing to pay a higher price for green products nowadays, reports Environmental News Network.

Health a Bigger Concern. The survey concluded that of those surveyed, 34% seek green products, and 24% said a higher price tag was alright if the product is “green.” This is up 4% from the previous year. Shoppers are not as concerned with the environment, however, as they are with health and safety concerns of themselves and their families. Worldwide, the most popular green or perceived green products seem to be organic food and environmentally friendly household cleaners. This would explain the concern for health reasons.

There Are Limits. The shoppers say they are willing to pay more for green goods, but companies can charge only about 5%-10% more for such products before their popularity begins to slip fast. Overall conclusions are that the green revolution should sustain the economic slowdown, given the prices do not rise dramatically, and a slowdown in general is inevitable.

There have been a slew of environmentally focused ETFs in the last year, and as this movement gathers steam, we could see even more.

iShares KLD Select Social Index Fund (KLD) is one fund that holds companies with strong social and environmental records.

Tags: Alternative Energy, Green ETFs, KLD, Sector ETFs, Socially Responsible ETFs