You might think with the economy on the skids, that consumers could care less about buying green products -- regressing to old habits of purchasing those less ecologically fit items that generally cost less (often significantly less) than their green counterparts. If that's what you thought, then you thought wrong.

According to a recent survey of thousands of consumers around the world, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) found that consumer demand for green products is actually increasing, despite the current economic downturn. Specifically, in 2007, 32% of those surveyed agreed with this statement: "I systematically look for and often purchase green products." In 2008, 34% of those surveyed agreed. Not only that, but an increasing number of consumers are willing to vote green with their wallets. In the 2007 survey, 20% of the people surveyed agreed with this statement: "A higher price for green products is acceptable to me." When asked in 2008, this figure increased to 24%.

If you're looking for opportunities to grow in these tough economic times, don't overlook the green market. While other markets may be shriking, there are plenty of opportunities for savvy businesspeople to get green -- and to stay in the green.