AARPBuletinSurveyon EnvironmentalIssues. ExecutiveSummary

Transcription

1 AARPBuletinSurveyon EnvironmentalIssues ExecutiveSummary April2008

2 AARP Bulletin Survey on Environmental Issues Executive Summary April 2008 Copyright 2008 AARP Knowledge Management 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC Reprinting with Permission

3 AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP neither endorses candidates for public office nor makes political contributions. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, AARP Foundation is our affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. AARP collected the data for this project through a telephone Survey administered by International Communications Research (ICR). This report was written by Gerard Rainville, Senior Research Advisor, AARP Strategic Issues Research. For additional information contact Gerard Rainville at GRainville@aarp.org.

4 The AARP Bulletin recently commissioned a nationwide survey on the environmental crisis and ecologically-sound practices. The survey asked respondents if they felt their actions could lessen the negative impact on the environment. Respondents were also asked which specific ecologically-sound practices they engaged in. The survey findings suggest that an overall majority of respondents believe they can make a difference in terms of protecting the environment. However, fewer of those over 50+ feel this way compared to those under 50. Though those over 50 may appear to be less optimistic about protecting the environment, their practices (with a few exceptions) are as ecologicallyconscious as those under 50. Survey findings include: Fifty nine percent of respondents think they can personally make a difference in terms of protecting the environment. This includes sixty four percent of those aged 18 to 49 but only half of those over 50. (see table 1). Six percent of respondents felt that their actions would make no difference at all in terms of protecting the environment. This includes nine percent of those age 50 or more and four percent of those under 50. (see table 1). The action most commonly taken by respondents to reduce the impact on the environment is recycling. Eighty two percent of respondents report that they recycle. (see table 2). Fewer respondents over 50 report using public transportation or walking/taking a bike instead of driving than those between 18 and 49. Beyond this exception, respondents in both age groups are equally likely to recycle, drive a hybrid car, and take other actions to reduce their impact on the environment. (see table 2). Fewer respondents over 50 report owning an energy-efficient appliance or using energy-efficient light bulbs than those between 18 and 49. Beyond this exception, respondents in both age groups are equally likely to regulate their heating and cooling and water use and take other actions to conserve energy. (see table 2). Survey methodology This study was conducted for AARP via telephone by ICR, an independent research company. Interviews were conducted from March 26 April 6, 2008 among a nationally representative sample of 1200 respondents age 18 and older.

5 AARP 2008 Environmental Issues Bulletin Survey Detailed Data Tables TABLE 1. How much of a difference do you think you personally can make in terms of protecting the environment? Would you say A lot, A moderate amount, A little or None at all? NET (Will make a difference) A moderate amount NET (Will not make a difference) A None A lot little at all Overall 59% % <50 64% % % % TABLE 2. Do you plan to or do you currently: Don t know Total < Yes No Yes No Yes No Reduce impact on environment Drive a hybrid vehicle Sometimes take public transportation/carpool instead of driving yourself Sometimes walk or ride a bicycle instead of driving or taking public transportation Buy environmentally-friendly cleaning products Buy organic or local foods Recycle Reduce use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers Change your driving habits (slower, less acceleration, inflated tires) Conserve Energy Turn out lights when leaving a room Regulate heating and air conditioning when not at home Reduce water use Use energy-efficient light bulbs Own an energy-efficient appliance