Survey: Americans’ “Green Guilt” Rising

A survey by the Atlanta-based Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) shows the number of Americans who experience “green guilt” has increased to 58 percent this year from 49 percent in 2007. “Green guilt” refers to the feeling consumers get when they know they are not doing everything possible to protect the environment.

Children and future generations remain the major reason given for suffering from “green guilt.” The national survey was administered to more than 1,000 people, the majority of which were female.

“It is encouraging that most Americans are acutely aware of the impact today’s actions have on the sustainability of the Earth for future generations,” said Greg Broe, interim chief operating officer for RBRC, in a press release. “Consumers now recognize that even something as simple as recycling is a practice that will help to ensure a healthy environmental future for their children.”