Resolved: A greener 2010

Lots of studies flood my email inbox, and it's difficult to sort them all out. But I thought this one was interesting.

Losing weight aside, one of the big items for improvement in 2010 is getting greener, according to a study by Tiller, LLC, which touts itself as one of the nation's leading consultancies on the design and implementation of advocacy marketing programs. (Ok, so maybe they're trolling for business with this survey, but anyway......)

A poll of 1,000 adults conducted on the Internet between Nov. 27 and Dec. 2 found that more than half expected to make a green New Year's resolution this year. Given a list of environmentally responsible lifestyle changes -- so, okay, they were prompted -- 85 percent said it was at least somewhat likely they would reduce household energy consumption in 2010. (If any of those are in the PECO territory, they'd better get on the stick. Rate caps are coming off at the beginning of 2011, and prices are expected to balloon.)

As for recycling, 84 percent said they'd increase their efforts. (If any of those are in Philadelphia, they can benefit personally from the effort.  A new incentive-based recycling program -- offering coupons for community-wide recycling increases -- is going into effect in North Philadelphia in February, with other sections to follow monthly.)

Nearly 75 percent said they would carry their own bag with them to the grocery store.  This is a big increase from last year, when just 42 percent said they would.  This is something that requires practice, diligence and the implementation of a personal system so you don't forget.  But once you get the hang of it, it's no big deal.  Plus, if you have good bags, they don't rip like those flimsy plastic ones do.

Some 76 percent of respondents said it was at least somewhat likely they would consider buying from environmentally responsible companies (assuming they don't have to conduct independent research to find them, I'm guessing) and nearly half have already done so. Half have also said they declined to buy a product out of concern for the environment.

Best of all, perhaps, is the incentive. Nine out of ten respondents said they felt individual action was important and could make a difference.

You can read more about it here.

Meanwhile, have a happy -- and a green -- new year.