Seven in 10 Americans admit that they treat their own home better than they treat the planet. However, there is hope as people are trying to reduce their carbon footprints by taking steps like installing energy-efficient appliances (55%), cutting down on single-use plastics (47%), and buying locally sourced and organic produce (44%), according to a survey of 2,000 Americans. Gen Z expressed the most concern for the future of the planet (78%), followed by Millennials (67%), and found this concern to be the top motivator for making environmentally conscious choices.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Beko Home Appliances, found that eight in 10 believe small sustainable actions can make a big impact on the planet and that this starts at home. Nearly half (48%) agree that the kitchen generates the most waste, followed by the bathroom (18%) and the living room (17%). Fifty-seven percent of Gen Z and 49% of Millennials admit to throwing away food a few times a week. After throwing food away, they generally felt wasteful (32%) and disheartened (12%). Eighty-eight percent wish they could keep fruits and vegetables fresher for longer, and almost that many (81%) believe they would eat healthier if they did.
Respondents also expressed a willingness to take concrete steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle, such as switching out their appliances for those that help reduce food waste (69%) and composting food waste (58%). Seven in 10 respondents would invest in a smart refrigerator with crisper drawers that preserve vitamin content in produce, while 54% would invest in a freezer with a deep freeze compartment, and 50% would consider a vacuum sealer for storing food.