How much do consumers know about the environment?

By Don Loepp | Plastics News editor

Oct. 6 -- Americans are becoming much more confident with their knowledge about the environment, according to a new survey commissioned by SC Johnson.

That´s despite the often confusing or even contradictory messages that they receive on many environmental issues, from global warming to the benefits of paper versus plastic bags.

This poll isn´t specifically about plastics, but it will likely be studied carefully -- and quoted extensively -- in the coming year.

According to the survey, 73% of Americans say they know a lot or fair amount about environmental issues and problems. That´s up 20 percentage points since 1995.

Also, fewer people now agree with the statement: "I am very confused about what´s good and what´s bad for the environment." Just 18% agreed with that statement in 2011, down a whopping 21 percentage points since 1990.

A growing number of respondents say they´ve made lifestyle changes that have a positive environmental impact. For example, 58% said they recycle on a regular basis -- twice as many as 20 years ago -- and 29%said they buy "green" products.

Click here for a copy of the full report, "The Environment: Public Attitudes and Individual Behavior -- A Twenty-Year Evolution."

Don Loepp is editor of Plastics News, a sister publication of Waste & Recycling News.

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