1&1's Eco-Friendly Logo - Going Green?

Hosting provider 1&1 released a logo that customers can use to promote that their website is eco-friendly. Green hosting was all the rage a few short years ago, but interest in it waned as the economy went south. (read posts and articles on green hosting here)

According to recent surveys, website owners may see a boost in online business by displaying the "Green Logo." The ‘SMB Green Study,' conducted by WIRED Magazine and Vision Critical of some 543 U.S. adults found that a green-powered website may be a deciding factor when selecting which retailer to purchase from. The study shows that over 60 percent of American consumers admit to being swayed to purchase from an online shop if the website identifies itself as using green energy. In fact, 70 percent said they would respond positively to a green logo.

1and1 has been the provider for our company for over 4 years now and have always provided a good service... I saw the logo and got the quick wow effect, then quickly realized it did not really make a diffrence. It obviously will not change our opinion but we do present the benefit to clients. 

I believe in general more small businesses are moving from brick and mortar to home based web driven companies. We tell a lot of our clients that move to a web based company to promote s "Going Green" for that reason. It is a deciding factor no matter if it is fact or just the mentality... I believe people still want the feel good they get from supporting a "green" company...