Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Two Thirds of Americans Would Refuse to Give Up iPod - Even if it Ruined Environment

An astonishing new survey has revealed that more than 60% of Americans would refuse to stop using their iPods, even if they knew it was seriously damaging the environment.

The survey, which quizzed more than 1,000 people across the US, found that, whilst the majority of Americans are making efforts to buy greener products, most wouldn’t do so if it meant compromising on convenience or comfort.

Presented with a choice between comfort, convenience or the environment, 38 percent of those questioned said they’d choose their convenience, 36 percent comfort and just 26 percent the environment.

According to market researcher Suzanne Shelton, “Consumers don’t want to give up the modern conveniences of life. We’re all basically saying, ‘I’ll be green as long it doesn’t make me uncomfortable or inconvenienced.’”

» See also: Recycling In San Francisco Made Easy With The iPhone, by Mayor Newsom

In further findings, when asked, “If you thought these things were harming the environment, which of the following would you be willing to give up?” well under 50 percent of those polled were prepared to give up the following items:

  • iPod - 38 percent would be willing to do without it
  • Dishwasher - 35 percent
  • Microwave - 25 percent
  • Cellular phone - 21 percent
  • Air conditioning - 14 percent
  • TV - 13 percent
  • Computer - 7 percent
  • Car - 6 percent
  • None of the above - 21 percent
  • All of the above - 6 percent

Commenting on the findings Shelton said, “For most Americans, what once were considered conveniences have become necessities. That means the green movement has its work cut out for it: Convenience and comfort are big barriers for consumers going green.

“It means a lot of people simply won’t take on green projects, or buy a green product if they have to go to a different store to find it or if it somehow takes away from their personal comfort.”

by Andrew Williams

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Human alteration of Earth is substantial and growing. Between one-third and one-half of the land surface has been transformed by human action; the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has increased by nearly 30 percent since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution; more atmospheric nitrogen is fixed by humanity than by all natural terrestrial sources combined; more than half of all accessible surface fresh water is put to use by humanity; and about one-quarter of the bird species on Earth have been driven to extinction. By these and other standards, it is clear that we live on a human-dominated planet.