A new survey has revealed a profound shift in public opinion on the causes of environmental problems: people now suggest harm to the planet is being driven by their own demand for consumer goods and wasteful activities, rather than by causes such as industry pollution.About 10,000 people completed online questionnaires, and the survey found the most frequently cited factors for causing environmental problems were wasteful behaviour by consumers and companies alike, and "people consuming more than they need."
That said, the responses also indicated many people want solutions that don't involve too much personal financial pain.
For instance, 60 per cent supported incentives to divert waste from landfills. But there was strong support among only 17 per cent of respondents for charging more for electricity, and 11 per cent for raising heating bills as a conservation measure.
As for personal behaviour, 89 per cent said they recycle glass, metals and paper, 78 per cent turn down thermostats or air conditioning while out, and 76 per cent have switched to energy-saving compact fluorescent lighting.
But only 38 per cent report unplugging energy-using electronics while on holidays, and 30 per cent are using public transit more.
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