BOLINGBROOK, IL — Three-fourths of Americans admit to treating their home better for the planet, and more than half say they are doing something tangible to reduce their carbon footprint, according to a new survey measuring the lengths to which people will go to protect the planet.
The survey, conducted earlier this year by OnePoll on behalf of Beko Home Appliances, the U.S. subsidiary of appliance manufacturer Arçelik, found that 81% of the 2,000 Americans polled believe “small sustainable actions can make a big impact on the planet, and that the change starts at home.”
When it comes to specific actions consumers are taking, survey respondents say they are installing energy-efficient appliances (55%), cutting down on single-use plastics (47%) and buying locally sourced and organic produce (44%).
In addition, 83% told researchers they are willing to invest in new appliances that reduce food waste, increase electricity and water efficiency, or help them live healthier. Of those appliances, a smart refrigerator with crisper drawers that preserve vitamin content in produce was the top product favored (70%).
The polling also offered revelations about the relationship between food waste, food preservation and healthier living. For example, more than three-fourths of surveyed Americans reported they throw food away at least once a week, while close to half (48%) admitted to feeling “increasingly guilty” about it, researchers said.
“We’re optimistic that Americans understand the seriousness of food waste and the need for greater food preservation, and are willing to change their behavior – and even their buying habits – to help solve the problem,” said Justin Reinke, v.p./marketing for the Bolingbrook, IL-based Beko.
“It’s especially encouraging that so many respondents want to extend the life of produce and produce vitamin content – and believe that doing so will give them a healthier, more sustainable life,” Reinke added.
According to the survey’s findings, many people are staying on top of advancements in technology aimed at transforming their homes. For example, 87% of those surveyed said they know what the meaning of the term “Net Zero” means – the idea that their home can generate as much or more energy onsite through solar and other renewable resources as it consumes in a year. Seven in 10 said they would be willing to pay extra to buy or build a Net Zero home if it helped protect the environment.
“The good news is that most Americans still believe that, by taking small sustainable actions in the kitchen and throughout the house, we can create a future where we produce and conserve as much energy as we use,” said Reinke. “For those of us concerned about the planet we are leaving the next generation, this is music to our ears.” ▪