By Marie Haaland // SWNS
NEWS COPY W/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC
The average American thinks they can survive for 16 days alone in the wilderness, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 Americans asked respondents how long they believed they could last in the great outdoors — but a little over two weeks may be pushing it for some.
Only 17% felt “very confident” in their ability to start a fire with flint, and about 14% felt the same about their ability to identify edible plants or berries in nature.
And while 52% were confident in their ability to identify different types of plants and trees, the survey put that to the test and found many weren’t quite as knowledgeable as they thought.
Only a quarter of respondents (26%) were able to identify a black oak leaf, while just 35% correctly identified poison ivy after being shown a photo.
Respondents should be careful in nature — while the majority misidentified poison ivy, they weren’t much better with stinging nettles (42% answered correctly).
Conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress, the survey tested respondents on their “nature knowledge” by showing photos of common trees and plants.
The survey found respondents were most likely to be correct in their identification of maple leaves (64%) and ferns (55%).
And a third (34%) knew the difference between deciduous and coniferous trees — deciduous trees have leaves that fall off yearly and coniferous trees have needles/scales that don’t fall off.
But regardless of their ability to identify nature — or survive in it, two-thirds of respondents (63%) said the past year gave them a “newfound appreciation” for the great outdoors.
“The pandemic has reminded so many of us just how essential nature is to our mental and physical well-being and how dependent we all are on a healthy, thriving natural environment,” said Avocado Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer Mark Abrials.
Sixty-six percent said outdoor activities seemed like the safest way to get out of their house this past year, which has led to an increase in time outside.
Respondents said they’re soaking up the sunshine by walking (54%), running (37%) and gardening (33%) more than they would have in a typical year.
Seventy-eight percent even said their newfound appreciation for nature has caused them to think more critically about their eco-friendly actions.
It’s also encouraged them to become more eco-friendly: 77% said their growing appreciation for the outdoors has made them more willing to take sustainable actions.
Results also revealed that 67% want to protect nature — because they love the great outdoors.
“Nature needs our help — and we all have to do our part to help protect it,” said Abrials. “We can each do that every day by minimizing our footprint and supporting companies, legislators and policies that advocate for environmental protections and a healthier, safer planet for all.”
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS DO RESPONDENTS TAKE REGULARLY?
- Recycling 57%
- Picking up litter 49%
- Conserving water 38%
- Composting 30%
- Avoiding single-use plastic 29%
- Donating to wildlife/forest protection 24%
- Planting trees in their local community 23%
- Using non-toxic chemicals 20%
- Participating in beach clean-ups 17%
