While First Globals are the most likely of any generation to describe themselves as environmentalists, they are also the least likely of any generation to recycle. Slightly more than half (53.9%) of First Globals consider themselves environmentalists, compared to 44.5% of those 30-49, 51.9% of those 50-64, and 49.0% of those over 65. Yet when asked how often they recycle, 57.3% of First Globals recycle “always” or “most of the time”, compared to 63.6% of those 30-49, 67.3% of those 50-64, and 72.1% of those over 65.
Why would First Globals be the most likely to call themselves environmentalists while simultaneously being the least likely to recycle? Is “environmentalist” merely a label that some First Globals (and others) adapt because it is politically correct? Or are First Globals not yet settled enough in their home lives and living situations to recycle on a consistent basis? Do you think First Globals will recycle more as they get older, or are they content to label themselves as environmentalists without doing things like recycling?
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3 comments:
In every generation, there are more people who recycle than who call themselves environmentalists. Maybe the question should be why don't older people call themselves environmentalists even though they do recycle...is "environmentalist" too liberal a term?
It's not "too liberal", it's too preachy. It assumes that one who calls himself environmentalist truly cares about the environment - unlike other, more selfish folk.
At first this seems like a huge contradiction, or some may even say this is testimony to first globals and their big talk.
But some things should be considered. Why do older generations recycle more? My hunch is that when you have a family (obviously first globals will be least likely out of age groups to have families) you are probably more motivated to be a role model, or have more reason to.
And with the fact that they are not too far behind the other generations in terms of recycling, perhaps as they get older and have families and have to model behavior, they will recycle more- it's just a matter of maturing.
It's probably a behavorial factor. When you own a house you are more concerned with keeping it clean and doing all of the necessary chores like garbage. When you are younger, live in a dorm, or rent, you don't have that sense of ownership.
Let us not forget, first globals were powerfully influenced early on be cartoons such as teenage mutant ninja turtles. Anyone with deep knowledge of this fantastic program knows that is laced with environmentalism. And we know that with some chemicals, and even those who are aware of disasters like Chernobyl, the possibilities of a giant rat (splinter) may not be so ridiculous.
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