Recycling on message – Energy saving no clue

LCRN News Service reports that half of the British public clearly understand messages about recycling their waste, but are left in the dark when it comes to lowering their energy use, according to a new Ipsos MORI survey.

When asked to choose up to three options from a list of things that people can do to help the environment, over half (52%) chose 'recycle bottles, cans, paper and other materials', by far the highest number of responses. By contrast, just 15% of respondents chose 'turn down home heating' and only 22% selected 'make fewer car journeys' and 'use public transport'. Men (18%) were also significantly more likely than women (13%) to select 'turn down home heating'.

Critically, central heating and hot water is the second highest factor in a household's impact on the environment, but was only ranked 11th on the public's list of options.