Press Release
Issued 6th May 2008

The Cost of Going Green…
Consumer Choice examines the cost of going green and asks has it gone too far?

The May issue of Consumer Choice magazine - the only independently written, researched and published consumer affairs magazine in Ireland - is now available from the Consumer Association of Ireland. Packed full of information and expert opinion, this month’s edition examines if food marketing to children is contributing to the obesity crisis, this issue also looks into overcharging by banks and examines if using taxation as a way to encourage consumers to buy green, but questions if it is reducing choice and increasing costs.

In this months edition, Consumer Choice researcher Aisling Murtagh asks, ‘Is there a need to increase the restrictions on food marketing to children?’ and ‘how much is “pester power” adding to the obesity crisis?’

Murtagh explores the different methods that companies use to engage children, and questions how much influence they truly have on the youth market. “Research has highlighted that children may fail to see the difference between ads, features in magazines and actual programmes in TV,” says Murtagh. “While food marketing does not have a great influence on children’s perception of a healthy diet, it does affect children’s food preferences”. Consumer Choice takes a look at the advertising restrictions in place and the international survey completed on this topic, and asks if enough is being done. 

Also in this month’s edition, Consumer Choice reveals how in the wake of the recent revelations of overcharging in banks that the Consumer Association of Ireland have experienced a increase in calls from consumers and that problems with banking now account for a significant proportion of complaints received. The magazine takes a look at the Financial Ombudsman’s Complaints trends document for 2007, and reports on the shocking increase in complaints received about credit institutions. Consumer Choice advise on how is best to have a complaint heard and gives advice for four common complaints from consumers.

Consumer Choice researcher report looks at how the government initiative, introduced in January 2008, to reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions is affecting the consumer. “Irish consumers are now paying a high price to achieve the government’s objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020,” says Consumer Choice. The article points out that to achieve this target, consumers’ will feel the impact with the introduction of congestion charges; carbon levies, huge bills to insulate and ‘retro-fit’ houses and heralds the end of cheap air travel.

Consumer Choice examines four key areas where the Irish Consumer will feel the pinch VRT, home heating, lighting and energy. The new Building Energy Rating being introduced can add considerably to the value of your home, but for the 1 million of the 1.7 million homes in the country in need of an upgrade, it will mean a considerable investment. The Consumer Choice team are calling for the government to assist homeowners with a scheme to help with this investment, thus allowing homeowners to achieve reasonable building energy ratings.

Also this month Consumer Choice put mobile phones to the test. Jenny Harrow, Consumer Choice Product Tester, trials handsets available for the elderly and disabled, and examines which mobile service provider is the most tailored to this customer. The Choice team asses the new VRT and motor tax rules, as well as competition in dental services.