LONDON, UK, November 2, 2007 (ENS) - Most people claimed that being "green" is now the socially acceptable norm, rather being an alternative lifestyle, a new survey into public attitudes and behaviors has found. The main motivation for an environmentally friendly lifestyle is guilt about harming the environment, respondents admitted.

The 2007 Survey of Public Attitudes and Behavior toward the Environment is the sixth in a series of surveys that the British Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and its predecessors have conducted since 1986.

The 2007 poll tests public attitudes about the environment. (Photos courtesy FreeFoto.com)

The 2007 survey, which polled 3,600 people across England, establishes a representative picture of what people in England think and how they behave across a range of issues relevant to the environment.

The majority of respondents appear to be both aware of and concerned about the problems besetting the global environment, and to believe that human behavior has brought these about.

There were particularly strong views that humans are severely abusing the environment, and that man’s interference with nature may produce disastrous consequences.

Much concern was expressed about changes to the countryside and the loss of biodiversity, and about the finite nature of the Earth’s resources. However, there was widespread optimism that it was not too late to do something about climate change and that it would be possible to overcome the world’s environmental problems.

When asked about waste, 87 percent said they give away things they no longer want to charity shops or friends and family, and 78 percent said they sometimes reuse empty bottles, jars, envelopes and paper.

Paper placed on the curb for recycling.

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 behavior.

Environment Minister Joan Ruddock said, "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 percent 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," Ruddock said.

Four in 10 people said they knew a lot about environmental issues. Some issues were better known than others. At least six in 10 said they knew a lot or a fair amount about global warming and climate change, and over half knew a lot or a fair amount about carbon dioxide emissions.

However, over half knew nothing about the terms carbon footprint or carbon off-setting.

One of many cyclists in London.

The survey also covered modes of transport for getting to work or school, or going shopping. Overall, for journeys of one mile or less, 45 percent drove, six percent took public transport and 46 percent walked or cycled.

For journeys of three miles or less, 58 percent drove, nine percent took public transport and 28 percent 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.

A large majority, 79 percent, of respondents generally felt positive about themselves and a similar proportion felt that what they do is valuable and worthwhile.

Seven in 10 people were optimistic about their future but 44 percent said they find it hard to be hopeful about the future of the world.

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2007. All rights reserved.