The Environment: Who Cares?

Monday 17 June 2002

New research by the MORI Social Research Institute has raised interesting facts about who (or what) the public feels offers the greatest threat to green spaces. Surprisingly, when pointing the finger of blame it is not local planners, politicians or pollution which are perceived as the greatest threat — but the public itself!

A MORI Social Research Institute survey commissioned by the New Opportunities Fund, revealed that the greatest threats to green spaces are believed to be from crime and vandalism (68%) and people's lack of concern, care or interest (42%). Both were seen as far bigger concerns than traffic pollution and global warming.

The survey also revealed a social class divide with regard to 'green' issues. Public concern was shown to reflect people's socio-economic status: if you are professional and middle class you are more likely to be environmentally aware and more likely, or able, to take action.

There is a distinct lack of green activity undertaken by the younger generation. Despite being future guardians of the planet, 15-24 year olds are less likely to purchase environmentally friendly products than older age groups and 39% of them don't have time to be green. 15-24 year olds are also less motivated to 'do their bit' for the environment — one million (15%) think one person can't make a difference.

Although the majority of people are motivated to be greener by 'doing their bit' for the environment (54%) or protecting their health (40%), a third of the UK population (33%) are motivated by saving money. This figure increases to 44% in the 15-24 age group.

However, 50% of the population cite lack of amenities as the main barrier to recycling or being more environmentally friendly. One in five say that the financial cost prevents them from doing more.

Other points of interest from the survey include:

• 30% more people in the AB socio economic group recycle their household waste than in the DE group
• Nearly a quarter of the DE group (24%) cited financial cost as a barrier to their green activity
• 27% of respondents felt that a lack of time prevented them doing more
• One in five people (21%) claim their local recycling facilities are not easy to get to
• Local green spaces is a bigger issue for more affluent social groups — 18% for ABs compared with 7% of DEs
• Generally speaking, the older generation (45-54) are far more inclined to be green than those in the younger (15-24) age group

Toplines Results

• MORI interviewed a representative sample of 957 adults aged 15+ in 188 sampling points across Great Britain.
• Interviews were conducted face-to-face between 23-28 May 2002.
• Data are weighted to the known national population profile
• Where percentages do not sum to 100%, this is because of multiple responses
• A '*' indicates a value of less than half of one per cent but greater than zero

Q1 Which two or three, if any, of the following are most important to the quality of your life?

Q2 Which, if any, of these do you think are the most serious threats to your local environment?

Q3 Which, if any, of the following activities do you do on a regular basis … ?

Q4 Which, if any, of these things would most encourage you to recycle or to be more environmentally friendly?

Q5 Which, if any, of these things would most prevent you recycling or being more environmentally friendly?

Q6 Which of these statements comes closest to your own view … ?

Q7 What kinds of household waste, if any, do you think can be recycled at your local recycling facilities?