DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (398/07) issued by
The Government News Network on 2 November 2007
Most people
claimed that being 'green' is now the socially
acceptable norm, a survey into public attitudes and behaviours
found, rather being an alternative lifestyle. And the main
motivation for an environmentally friendly lifestyle is guilt
about harming the environment.
The 2007 Survey of Public Attitudes and Behaviour toward the
Environment is the sixth in a series of surveys that Defra and its
predecessors have conducted since 1986.
Of the 3,600 people in England polled, when asked about waste 87%
said they give away things they no longer want to charity shops or
friends and family, and 78% said they sometimes reuse empty
bottles, jars, envelopes and paper.
Many respondents agreed they do try to influence others to be
more environmentally friendly, with a third saying they talk to
friends and family about things they can do to change their behaviour.
Environment Minister, Joan Ruddock, commented:
"The most encouraging finding in this survey is the majority
of people believing that its up to individuals to accept
responsibility by making lifestyle changes. This is vitally
important as 40% of climate change emissions come from our actions
as individuals.
"Government is determined to make it possible for people to
choose greener lifestyles and to provide advice and encouragement
through our Act on CO2 campaign."
The survey also covered modes of transport for getting to work,
school/college, or going shopping. Overall, for journeys of one
mile or less 45% drove, six per cent took public transport and 46%
walked or cycled. For journeys of three miles or less 58% drove,
nine per cent took public transport and 28% walked or cycled.
When looking at satisfaction with individual aspects of
people's lives, satisfaction with day to day activities,
achieving goals, standard of living and personal relationships
seemed to contribute most to overall satisfaction with life. 79%
of respondents generally felt positive about themselves and a
similar proportion felt that what they do is valuable and
worthwhile. Seven in ten people were optimistic about their future
but 44% found it hard to be hopeful about the future of the world.
Notes to Editors
2007 Attitudes and Behaviour toward the
Environment was carried out by British Market Research Bureau (BMRB)
The full report, completed for Defra by BMRB, follows National
Statistics releases of headline survey results released on 14
August 2007, and results of questions on wellbeing on 27 July
2007. http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/pubatt/index.htm
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Out of Hours: 020 7270
8960
Press notices are available on our website http://www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
To subscribe
or unsubscribe to Defra's mailing list go to: http://www.gnn.gov.uk/
Once on the GNN website see Sign up
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Website
http://www.defra.gov.uk