76% of American homes say their kids are the reason they strive to be eco-friendly

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The younger generation is driving the change for “eco-households,” according to new research.

While parents have a duty to educate their children on respecting the Earth, results found 76 percent of parents actually feel their child is the one advocating for environmentally-friendly changes in their home.

The survey of 2,000 Americans – 74 percent of which were parents – found that seven in 10 American homes class themselves as an eco-household.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Avocado Green Mattress, the survey progressed to defining the key characteristics of an eco-home. Results found that an eco-household most commonly includes active recycling, avoiding wasting food and reducing energy consumption.

That’s in addition to bringing reusable bags to the grocery store and avoiding plastic straws.

The survey also looked at Americans’ thoughts in regard to climate change and the next generation.

Regardless of how environmentally friendly they currently are, results found that 77 percent of respondents would like to be even greener.

And for many, having children is a catalyst for wanting to become more green (41 percent).

Eighty-eight percent believe it’s important for the next generation(s) to be taught about being environmentally friendly – with nine years old found to be the ideal age to start.

Interestingly enough, respondents believe teachers have the most responsibility for teaching children about climate change and being environmentally friendly (80 percent).

This was followed by parents (80 percent), the government (52 percent) and companies (35 percent).

In addition to children changing the way Americans think about being green, 59 percent report wanting to be more environmentally friendly simply because they want the world to be a better place.

“For the health of our families and of our planet, we all need to start making changes. But even small lifestyle changes add up to progress,” said Mark Abrials, the Co-Founder and CMO of Avocado Mattress. “Becoming a more conscious, informed consumer and ‘voting’ with your dollar is a simple way to create positive change for the next generation.”

Eighty-five percent believe that small actions can add up to make a big difference for the environment – and one small action respondents are taking is purchasing ethical products.

Thirty-seven percent report “often” purchasing products that are ethical and environmentally friendly.

And respondents report being more likely to buy from a company that offers sustainable products (57 percent), uses organic or natural ingredients (51 percent) and that has good ethical practices (48 percent).

Abrials continued, “It’s an exciting step forward to see consumers becoming more discerning and actively seeking out ethically and sustainably manufactured products – made with natural, organic materials. Not only are they better for the environment, they’re better our families, too.”

AN ‘ECO-HOUSEHOLD’ INCLUDES...
1. Recycling                                                                               50 percent
2. Avoid wasting food                                                                41 percent
3. Reducing energy consumption                                              38 percent
4. Bringing reusable bags to the store                                       37 percent
5. Avoiding plastic straws                                                           37 percent
6. Turning off lights and electronics when leaving a room         35 percent
7. Using LED lights at home                                                       34 percent
8. Avoiding plastic water bottles                                                 34 percent
9. Donating items when no longer needed                                 33 percent
10. Composting                                                                          32 percent
11. Purchasing from ethical/sustainable brands                         31 percent
12. Buying local foods (farmer’s market, etc.)                            29 percent
13. Opting for paperless billing                                                   29 percent
14. Opening the window instead of using the heat/AC              28 percent
15. Turning off the computer                                                      28 percent
16. Opening the blinds instead of turning on the light               28 percent
17. Taking shorter showers                                                        26 percent
18. Researching brands’ sustainability practices                       24 percent
19. Limiting meat consumption                                                  24 percent
20. Using public transportation                                                   22 percent

WHAT’S MADE YOU WANT TO BE MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?
1. Simply wanting the world to be a better place                        59 percent
2. Watching Earth-focused documentaries                                 44 percent
3. Having kids                                                                             41 percent
4. News coverage of environment-focused topics                      40 percent
5. My own research                                                                     40 percent