Mostly Good Intentions, Though...

Poll: Sometimes it isn't easy being green
H. Josef Hebert, Associated Press, November 17, 2009

A survey released today suggests people have largely embraced recycling and are inclined to turn down thermostats to save energy. But it also indicated that some paths toward a greener Earth aren't as easily undertaken.

The telephone poll, conducted for The Associated Press and NBC Universal, tries to gauge attitudes about the environment. It found that 60% of those surveyed felt either a "great deal" or "a lot" of personal responsibility to protect the environment, while 37% rarely, if ever, even thought about the environmental impact of their actions.

Other results:

• 72% were very likely to recycle cans and bottles
• 63% were very likely to turn down thermostats
• 62% were very likely to buy energy-efficient appliances
• 59% were very likely to use cold water for clothes washing
• 59% were very likely to buy recycled paper products
• 65% said it's more difficult to use less energy than to use less water
• only 23% were very likely to eat less meat

NBC Universal's sponsorship of the poll was related to their Green is Universal week of programming about environmental issues.

Read the complete article here.