A survey of over 1,100 Scots, carried out by George Street Research between 8th and 21st December, revealed that 39% planned on doing something different at Christmas with the aim of helping the environment. The survey findings revealed that 46% of women, compared with 33% of men, were planning changes with the environment in mind.
Recycling was a popular option. 61% of those intriducing measure said they would recycle all bottles, cans and so on, 42% planned on recycling wrapping paper, and 2% mentioned recycling Christmas cards. Around one in four (24%) said they were cutting down on use of wrapping paper.
Almost one in two of those planning something different (47%) were giving up a “real” Christmas tree for an artificial tree, and 17% were using e-mail rather than sending Christmas cards. Composting was another popular change with 24% of these respondents planning to compost left over food.
Reducing their carbon footprint meant that 11% of those Scots making changes were cutting down on their travel to see friends and relatives. Almost one in ten (9%) were cutting down their use of lights in their Christmas decorations.
Commenting on these results, David Primrose, a Director of George Street Research with a particular interest in environmental issues, said, “These findings illustrate that what was once considered as faddish activity, practiced by a small minority, is now moving into the mainstream. The Scottish Government is committed to getting people to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and the message appears to be getting through; even at a time of traditional excess.”
These questions were included in the George Street Research quarterly Scottish Nature Omnibus. A total of 1,132 face-to-face interviews were conducted with a quota sample of adults, aged 16+, across Scotland.
Contact: Maggie Wright
Phone: 0131 226 3622
Email: maggie@mwa-scotland.com
Website: http://www.george-street-research.co.uk
