When It Comes to the Environment, Education Affects Our Actions

The more highly educated are more likely to display their environmental credentials through what they buy rather than with actions such as turning off lights. People with degrees are 25% more likely, on average, than people with no education qualifications to adopt pro-environmental behaviours, at least in terms of paying more for environmentally-friendly products. However, they are less likely to turn off the TV overnight or to use public transport.

60% of people believed that a major environmental disaster is pending if things continue on their current course, and just over half the respondents (53%) say they 'do quite a few things that are environmentally friendly' or are 'environmentally friendly in most things or everything' they do. Nonetheless, people's willingness to behave in an environmentally-friendly way comes with conditions as 59% of those surveyed agreed that 'any changes I make to help the environment need to fit in with my lifestyle' and just half (50%) would be prepared to pay more for environmentally friendly products.

• Women are more likely than men to adopt pro-environmental behaviours, for example they are 4% more likely, on average, to be willing to pay more for environmentally-friendly products;
• The presence of dependent children in the household is associated with a lower willingness to pay more for environmentally friendly products;

• Employed people seem less likely to adopt pro-environmental behaviours -- especially by putting on more clothes when cold and reducing the frequency of flights -- than people who are outside the labour market.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110321093843.htm