LAS VEGAS -- Jan. 20, 2010 -- According to a recent online survey by Whirlpool Corporation, the majority of consumers (68 percent) want to live "green" but only if it is convenient to their lifestyle. The study, conducted on its behalf by Harris Interactive®, found that while finances are top of mind and consumers are still on the hunt for a good bargain, many are unwilling to compromise; searching until they find the right product at the right price.

Overall, the survey demonstrates that consumers are becoming more and more savvy about how best to spend -- and save -- their hard-earned money. In fact, more than half of adults (59%) said they would rather spend more money now to save energy (and money) later when it came to home appliances. With that in mind, Whirlpool Corporation continues to lead the industry when it comes to efficiency, offering more than 300 ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances, more than any other manufacturer.

"As consumers begin to adopt a greener lifestyle, and the concept moves from trend to norm, we wanted to see if the collective mindset was shifting," said Monica Teague, senior manager brand business teams, Whirlpool Corporation. "We also know that people are still watching their wallets. What we discovered is that consumers want the easiest path toward efficiency and cost-savings, and will not compromise until they find it."

A previous online survey of 2,042 U.S. adults ages 18 and over conducted by Harris Interactive between December 29-31, 2008 and on behalf of Whirlpool Corporation found that there were several gaps - be they marital, gender or generational - in terms of high-efficiency awareness with regards to laundry-appliances. The 2008 survey found that the majority (84%) of consumers rate energy efficiency (as opposed to water or time) as the most important efficiency feature, however this year's survey revealed that, at the same time, one-fifth of all adults are willing to sacrifice certain features or eco-efficiency to get a more affordable price.

Sixty-eight percent of adults said they do their best to be green to the extent that it fits into their lifestyles and their finances. Fortunately, Whirlpool Corporation offers some of the most water and energy efficient products on the market, in the kitchen and the laundry room and across all price points.