New Poll Reveals Green Attitudes of Mainstream Moms

Improper Disposal of Rechargeable Batteries is a Source of Concern for the Majority of Moms*

A group of momsATLANTA, May 9, 2013—Poll results released today illuminate some surprising insights into how America’s 85.4 million moms1 view what may be one of the most overlooked recyclables: rechargeable batteries.

Each year, Americans buy more than 350 million rechargeable batteries2 and send about 14,000 tons of them to landfills3. Most come from wireless devices like cellphones, e-readers, laptops and tablets. These batteries utilize space in landfills and may contain materials that could be harmful to the environment.

The study, commissioned by Call2Recycle® and conducted online by Harris Interactive® (from May 2-6, 2013 among 2,058 U.S. adults ages 18+), focused on attitudes, concerns and environmentally responsible activities associated with rechargeable batteries and landfills. Among moms with child(ren) under the age of 18 living in the household, the study found:

  • 90% of moms* are concerned for their families due to the environmental impact of rechargeable batteries in landfills
  • 94% believe something can be done to reduce the potential impact of rechargeable batteries in landfills.  The vast majority—more than four in five (88%)—believe recycling can lessen the problem.

With regard to how eco-friendly behaviors, such as recycling, are learned, shared and taught, moms lead the way:

  • 72% of mothers* learn what they can and teach their child(ren), followed by they learn about it at school (55%) and from watching TV (31%)
  • A quarter (24%) say their child(ren) teach their family what they learn elsewhere.

As moms, we are shepherding our children and families through a world that is seeing exponential growth in dependence on rechargeable batteries,” said Linda Gabor, VP of Marketing and Customer Service at Call2Recycle.  “Moms are their children’s first teacher. For this reason, we are excited to see results that reflect environmentally responsible attitudes and leadership among mainstream moms. This is especially important for rechargeable batteries, which are often overlooked as a recyclable product and unfortunately tossed into the trash.”

With 322 million wireless products in use in the U.S.4—and mobile, connected devices expected to increase by 100 percent by 20205—all powered by rechargeable batteries, responsible recycling of both the battery and the device will divert millions of tons of potentially harmful heavy metals and e-waste from the waste stream.

Through the Call2Recycle network of more than 30,000 drop-off locations throughout the U.S. and Canada—including Lowes, Best Buy and The Home Depot—recycling rechargeable batteries can be a quick, easy and convenient part of almost any shopping trip.

Additional findings:

More than four in five (88%) believe recycling can reduce the potential impact of rechargeable batteries in landfills. Coming in at a distant second is further education of consumers by government and industry leaders (38%) and rounding out the top three is make manufacturers responsible for the recycling (35%). Closely followed by becoming less dependent on rechargeable batteries (34%) and enacting legislation (20%). 5% believe something else can be done, only 1% believe everything that can be done is being done and 5% think nothing can be done to reduce the potential impact of rechargeable batteries in landfills.

65% (NET) of mothers* say their child(ren) learn about eco-friendly behaviors from outside sources: school (55%), watching TV (31%) from the internet (13%) and from their friends 6%. report learning about it from their friends. A small percentage (3%) do not teach their child(ren) about eco-friendly behavior, whereas, 7% say their child(ren) do not learn about this at all.

 For additional battery stats:  call2recycle.org/batterystats

 *   Mothers with child(ren) under 18 living in the household

About Call2Recycle: Founded in 1994, Call2Recycle—North America’s first and largest battery stewardship program—is a non-profit organization that collects and recycles rechargeable batteries at no cost for municipalities, businesses and consumers. Since 1996, Call2Recycle has diverted over 75 million pounds of rechargeable batteries and cellphones from the solid waste stream and established 30,000 collection sites throughout the U.S. and Canada. It is the first program of its kind to receive the Responsible Recycling Practices Standard (R2) certification. Learn more at call2recycle.org or 877-723-1297.  Follow at facebook.com/call2recycle or twitter.com/call2recycle.

Survey Methodology:

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of Call2Recycle from May 2-6, 2013 among 2,058 adults ages 18 and older (of whom 235 are mothers with child(ren) under 18 living in household). This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Jen Childress at (678) 218-4580 or [email protected].

Sources:

1 U.S. Census Bureau, 2 EPA, 3 Earth911, 4 CTIA, 5 GSMA  

Mother's Day Survey

0
  Related Posts