A new national survey shows that more than half of adult Americans consider themselves to be pretty "Green." Almost nine in 10 also say it is "very" or "somewhat" important to them personally to be Green (89 percent). However, the survey finds that their "E-IQ" (Environmental IQ) is relatively low-there are large gaps between self-perception, knowledge and behavior.
Misperceptions exist about the state of U.S. forests, in particular, as seen in the visual. And, Green intentions do not necessarily translate into the most environmentally sound behavior.
For example, of adult Americans, 40 percent say that they only sometimes, rarely or never separate out plastic, glass and paper from their trash for recycling at home. And, 85 percent say that they only sometimes, rarely or never participate in community environmental events, such as tree plantings and neighborhood cleanup activities. More than half (54 percent) say they always or most of the time ask for plastic rather than paper bags, even though paper is the renewable and biodegradable choice.
How can you be more Green in your everyday life?
? Turn your windowsill into a nursery-use paper cups to grow trees from seed, then plant them into pots and eventually into the ground.
? Get your neighborhood working together in a tree planting, litter cleanup or other beautification project.
? Say paper, please-paper cups, plates, napkins and towels are often a better choice for your family and the environment because paper is natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable.
Author: Stacey Moore
Author Bio:
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and DOE. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov. Using energy efficiently at home can be as easy as changing a light bulb.
