In honor of Earth Day this coming Sunday, we started thinking about green practices and how much stock people actually put into it.
Our latest survey looks into the green movement and the financial impact of going green. One major finding was that more than six-in-ten U.S. adults report that there is such a thing as being “too green,” otherwise known as embracing extreme, life-altering habits that can do more harm than good.
Topping the list of actions that people think are “too green,” with 72 percent of U.S. adults citing it, is rarely taking showers to avoid wasting water. The following were also named as “too green” tactics:
- Being a “freegan” (i.e. dumpster diving for clothes, food and/or other items) – 68 percent
- Reusing plastic baggies (even when dirty) to avoid creating waste – 53 percent
- Not doing laundry regularly to save on energy costs – 52 percent
- Not using cleaning products due to toxicity – 35 percent
While extreme tactics to go green might do more harm than good, many U.S. adults report that they embrace green living. 71 percent of U.S. adults agree that they make an everyday effort to live a greener life. You may think that going green is an expensive endeavor but 75 percent report that they have saved money by implementing green practices at home.
When asked how much they think they’ve saved in the last two years by implementing green practice in their homes, U.S. adults said the following:
- $200 or less – 58 percent
- $201 – $500 – 22 percent
- More than $500 – 15 percent
The payoff from implementing green methods at home can be tough to measure, but is often a win-win. Not only are the savings a great benefit, but you’re also helping to conserve resources and be friendlier to our planet. Here are a few easy ways to go green and put a little extra green in your wallet.
- Turn off lights when I leave a room
- Use CFL light bulbs
- Use Energy Star appliances
- Reuse plastic water bottles
- Unplug chargers and adapters for electronic devices when not in use
- Set a programmable thermostat to lower and raise temperature appropriately
- Turn down hot water heater temperature
- Use LED light bulbs
- Use at-home water purifier
