Americans Embrace “Green” Living Through Recycling and Eco-Friendly Purchases
Survey Reveals Growing Trend in Sustainable Consumer Behavior
It’s sometimes as simple as this: Recycle a Plastic Bottle. For AA we reflect on America Recycles Day, celebrated on November 15,2010. It’s also a new survey sheds light on the evolving attitudes of American consumers towards recycling and eco-friendly products. Consequently, the findings reveal a significant shift in how people perceive and practice environmental responsibility.
Closing the Recycling Loop: A New Perspective on Being Green
The survey, conducted online in October by Harris Interactive for Plastics Make it PossibleSM, uncovers a broader understanding of what it means to be “green.” Notably, Americans are not only focusing on recycling but also on purchasing products made from recycled materials, thus closing the “recycling loop.”
Key Findings:
- 83% of Americans feel more environmentally conscious when buying home products made from recycled materials.
- 81% express a desire to purchase and wear clothing made from recycled materials.
Steve Russell, vice president of the Plastics Division at the American Chemistry Council, comments, “America Recycles Day provides an ideal opportunity to celebrate the closing of the ‘recycling loop.’ Furthermore, it’s encouraging to see more Americans interested in innovative products like clothing and home furnishings made from recycled plastics.”
Practical Tips for Effective Recycling
To help consumers maximize their recycling efforts and close the loop, Plastics Make it PossibleSM offers the following guidelines:
- Research local recycling programs to understand which plastics are accepted.
- Expand recycling beyond water and soda bottles to include various plastic containers.
- Utilize grocery store recycling bins for plastic bags and wraps.
- Store empty bottles for recycling when away from home.
- Collect plastic bags in a single bag for convenient recycling.
- Remember to recycle plastics from bathrooms and laundry rooms.
- Avoid contaminating recyclables with non-recyclable items.
- Seek out products made from recycled plastics, such as carpeting and fleece jackets.
The Impact of Recycled Plastics
Recycled plastics find new life in numerous second-generation products. For instance, just eight recycled plastic bottles can be transformed into a soft, new t-shirt. Therefore, by purchasing products made from recycled materials, consumers actively contribute to the circular economy.
About the Survey
Harris Interactive conducted this online survey within the United States from October 7-11, 2010, among 2,699 adults aged 18 and older. While not based on a probability sample, the survey provides valuable insights into consumer attitudes towards recycling and eco-friendly products.
Plastics Make it PossibleSM: Driving Innovation and Sustainability
Plastics Make it PossibleSM, an initiative sponsored by the plastics industries of the American Chemistry Council, highlights the numerous ways plastics inspire innovations that enhance our lives, address significant challenges, and help design a safer, more promising future.
For more information, visit Plastics Make it Possible, check out their Facebook page, or follow @plasticpossible on Twitter.
As we move forward, the growing awareness and action towards recycling and sustainable consumption paint a promising picture for environmental conservation. Consequently, by embracing both recycling and the purchase of recycled products, Americans are taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future.This
