Eco-friendly behaviors are growing more socially acceptable to mainstream America, and any lingering stigma around “being green” is fading.
In fact, getting caught throwing trash out of the car window is more embarrassing to Americans than getting caught cheating on their taxes, according to a new survey.
The national poll, conducted by Shelton Group, found that environmentally unfriendly behaviors – such as littering or driving a gas guzzler – are emerging as a new definition of what’s socially unacceptable in America.
“Being eco-friendly is no longer considered a fringe activity limited to a small group of hard-core activists or early adopters,” said Suzanne Shelton, CEO of Shelton Group. “Thanks to years of green growth, messaging and new products, the idea of sustainability has finally permeated the American conscience.
The poll, which surveyed 1,105 Americans, asked, “How embarrassed would you be if someone you admire found out that you…” and then offered a series of behaviors. Here are the percentages for those saying they’d be “very embarrassed” if someone they admire found out they:
Source: Sustainable Brands
By Bart King