New Opportunities Fund Survey

New facts are emerging about the greatest threat to our green urban spaces. The finger of blame appears to point not towards local planners, politicians or pollution - but to the general public itself! This is according to a new MORI Social Research Institute survey commissioned by the New Opportunities Fund.

The survey has also revealed a social class divide with regard to 'green' issues. Public concern was shown to reflect people's socio-economic status: if you are professional and middle class you are more likely to be environmentally aware and more likely, or able, to take action.

The research also reveals that there is a distinct lack of green activity undertaken by the younger generation. Despite being future guardians of the planet, 15-24 year olds are less likely to purchase environmentally friendly products than older age groups and 39 percent of them don't have time to be green. The 15-24 year olds are also less motivated to 'do their bit' for the environment - one million (15 percent) think one person can't make a difference.

Although the majority of people are motivated to be greener by 'doing their bit' for the environment (54 percent), or protecting their health (40 percent), a third of the UK population (33 percent) are motivated by saving money. This figure increases to 44 percent in the 15-24 age group. However, 50 percent of the population cite lack of amenities as the main barrier to recycling or being more environmentally-friendly. One in five say that the financial cost prevents them from doing more.

Other points of interest from the survey include:

• 30 percent more people in the AB socio economic group recycle their household waste than in the DE group.
  
• Nearly a quarter of the DE group (24 percent) cited financial cost as a barrier to their green activity.
  
• 27 percent of respondents felt that a lack of time prevented them doing more.
  
• One in five people (21 percent) claim their local recycling facilities are not easy to get to.
  
• Local green spaces is a bigger issue for more affluent social groups - 18 percent for ABs compared with 7 percent of DEs.

MORI interviewed a representative sample of 957 adults aged 15+ in 188 sampling points across Great Britain. Interviews were conducted face-to-face between 23 to 28 May 2002.

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.

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