Three in five Americans care just as much about saving the environment as they do about saving money.
As part of a recent survey into the sustainability habits of 2,000 U.S. residents, 64% of those polled said they care about the health of the planet and their wallet in equal measure.
66% of respondents claimed they’d be “willing to try anything that can help save the environment”.
Certain sustainable habits proved much more popular than others.
75% said turning off the lights when leaving a room was a primary habit. Similarly, 66% make sure to turn off running water whenever possible, and 63% choose to shower rather than bathe in order to save water.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Bosch, the survey suggests most of the sustainability was achieved in the kitchen.
60% of respondents supported recycling (60%), 46% use reusable water bottles, 43% use energy-efficient kitchen appliances, 34% use biodegradable bags for food storage, and 31% use a high-efficiency dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes.
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According to the random double-opt-in survey, 39% percent don’t currently monitor the energy use of their home.
“People would be really surprised if they knew just how much energy is used throughout their homes,” said Cara Acker, senior brand manager at Bosch. “Even if people are turning off their thermostat or lights, there are still items in the home like appliances that need electricity constantly to operate. That’s why it’s so important—both for your utility bill and for the environment—to get ENERGY STAR rated appliances.”
“People tend to think that sustainable appliances are too expensive and cost prohibitive,” continued Acker. “But really, it’s the opposite. Sustainable and energy-efficient appliances are one of the best, hidden ways to save money long-term.
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“Investing in an appliance with features that help keep your food fresh for longer means less money wasted on food. You’re also getting something that uses electricity efficiently, meaning less money wasted on over-use of energy. It’s a money-saving win in the end.”