Green ways

A new Harris Poll finds that many Americans have taken some steps to reduce or limit their use of electricity and paper. Many others have taken steps to recycle computers, cell phones or other electronic devices, switched from bottled water to tap water, taken steps to reduce their water consumption, made their homes more energy efficient, or bought a more energy efficient car.

The Harris Poll surveyed 3,110 adults online between July 7 and Sept. 8.

However, Harris noted in the statement: “These numbers may be overestimates of some behaviors. There is a tendency for people to give ‘socially desirable’ answers and surveys tend therefore to overestimate the number of people doing socially desirable things (from going to church to driving below the speed limit).”

SURVEY FINDINGS
• Those who have bought hybrid cars are still only a tiny minority of adults (2%), and large majorities have not engaged in most of the green activities that the survey asked about.

• Survey respondents: Installed more energy-efficient light bulbs (63%); purchased energy-efficient appliances (36%); started paying bills online (46%); switched to paperless financial statements (40%); donated an electronic device for recycling (41%); made home improvements (e.g., windows, solar panels or insulation) that provided government tax credits (14%); and, bought a more fuel efficient car (13%)

• Only 13% of all adults say they have not done any of the above.

• Not all results would please ardent environmentalists. Only small minorities of adults always or often: Walk or ride a bicycle instead of driving or using public transport (15%); carpool or use public transport (16%); purchase organic products (17%); purchase all natural products (18%); purchase locally manufactured products (26%)

• While 80% of the most green have installed energy efficient lighting and/or appliances, only 52% of the least green have done so.

• Almost half (48%) of the most green adults have switched from bottled to tap water, compared to only 15% of the least green segment.

• Fully 65% of the most green adults often or always purchase locally grown produce, compared to only 20% of the least green.