What motivates you to do more to protect the environment?
A survey by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a nonprofit, public service organization dedicated to recycling used rechargeable batteries, identifies driving forces behind Americans’ “green” practices and attitudes and reveals that concern for one’s children is an important part of Americans’ motivation to protect the environment.
The survey, conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs and Media on behalf of RBRC, reveals that in 2008 Americans increasingly feel an obligation to recycle and protect the environment for the sake of future generations. In fact, of the items asked about in the survey, children are the primary reason Americans admit to suffering from “green guilt” – the feeling consumers have when they aren't doing everything they know they can and should be doing to protect the environment.
An overwhelming majority (91 percent) of respondents say that the reason they recycle is because of the impact their efforts will have on their children’s future. Nearly 20 percent of Americans say they would do more to preserve the environment – and relieve some of their “green guilt” - if they had a child. Nevertheless, even with the emphasis on adopting eco-friendly practices for the sake of one’s children, 30 percent of respondents still admit that switching to cloth diapers is one thing they could not bring themselves to do to be “greener”, among the items listed.
Overall, the number of people who did not experience “green guilt” in 2008 (42 percent) decreased from 2007 (51 percent), perhaps suggesting that Americans are increasingly realizing that their actions to preserve the environment – large and small – can make a difference, according to the press release. In fact, almost 90 percent of respondents say that the reason they recycle is to do their part to protect the environment.
“It is encouraging that most Americans are acutely aware of the impact today’s actions have on the sustainability of the Earth for future generations,” says Greg Broe, interim chief operating officer, RBRC. “Consumers now recognize that even something as simple as recycling is a practice that will help to ensure a healthy environmental future for their children.”
The survey also reports that nearly 90 percent of Americans are recycling at least one item. Rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling efforts increased by 10 percentage points and 8 percentage points from 2007, respectively, with 37 percent of Americans recycling used rechargeable batteries and 41 percent recycling old cell phones. Other commonly recycled items include aluminum cans, plastic and newspapers.
While there are hundreds of ways to “go green” this Earth Day, this survey pinpointed the one thing from a list of items that Americans felt could most easily be incorporated into their everyday lifestyles. The largest group of respondents (23 percent) said they would bring their own tote bag to the grocery store rather than use a plastic bag. Seventeen percent would turn off the air conditioning or heat when they are not home, or unplug appliances that are not in use. Additionally, 11 percent indicated a willingness to recycle old cell phones and used rechargeable batteries.
“When it comes to preserving the environment, there are many possibilities and sometimes it can be overwhelming to figure out what exactly you can do,” says Danny Seo, best-selling author and eco-lifestyle expert. “Doing ‘Just One Thing’ – no matter how small – can have a lasting impact on our environmental future. One simple and free way to help is by recycling old rechargeable batteries and cell phones through the Call2RecycleTM program.”
For more information and to find drop-off locations in your area, visit www.call2recycle.org or call toll free at 877-2-RECYCLE.