Younger Americans not as “Green” as older generations: ISRI

While conventional wisdom dictates millennials are more environmentally-conscious than older generations, their attitudes toward recycling begs to differ and suggest they may not be as “green” as we thought. According to a recent survey conducted online in November among over 2,000 U.S. adults by Harris Poll on behalf of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), younger American adults ages 18-34 are significantly less likely to say they always recycle (33% vs. 48% of those ages 35+). In addition, younger Americans ages 18-34 are less likely to say that recycling is the socially responsible thing to do (61% vs. 53% of those ages 65+), and that it is critical to reducing energy consumption (36% vs. 46% of those ages 55-64) and will help reduce landfill space (45% vs. 60% of those ages 45+). Younger adults ages 18-34 are also more likely to say they wish they recycled more than any other age group (37% vs. 22% of those age 35+). These are some of the key findings in a national survey released today by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) in conjunction with America Recycles Day taking place on Saturday, November 15.

“Over the last several decades communities have strived to make recycling easier through curbside pickup, drop off locations, convenient public cans located near trash cans, recycling drives, and more. There are corporate buy-back programs and in-store drop-offs for recyclables as well,” said Robin Wiener, president of ISRI. “That is why it is so disappointing and shocking to see young people not fully understanding the value of recycling. Clearly, more needs to be done both to encourage recycling and better comprehend why younger generations aren’t seeing the energy, environmental, and economic benefits that recycling provides.”

According to the poll, Americans would like to see more readily available options to recycle. The vast majority (90%) of Americans think that recycling collection sites need to be more readily accessible to consumers. Furthermore, 68% believe that manufacturers and/or retailers should pay for recycling programs when they are not already available to consumers, while 62% think the government should pay for these recycling programs.