Well I want to live green but can't I love the planet and my wheels to?
Let's start with the good news: 77 per cent of Canadians believe that global warming is real and worry about its impact on their lives. Now the bad news: Our behaviours don't match this new green consciousness.
A Strategic Council poll found that fewer than 4 in ten Canadians compost their food waste and almost two-thirds reported making no effort to green their daily commute by walking, riding or taking the bus. Surprisingly, despite soaring gas prices and environmental concern, SUV sales reached a record high last year.
If high prices and pollution aren't reason enough to turn talk into action, what is? The SUV and walking issues are symptomatic of a larger issue when it comes to changing consumer behaviour. Experts have found that Canadians deal better with making small changes in their homes, like recycling and using energy efficient lights, while large changes perceived to be more expensive or inconvenient don't get made.
It sounds to me that if were we are ever going to overcome this disconnect between environmental consciousness and behaviour we are all going to have to start putting the environment in front of our personal convince. I would also like to add that giving up your car to bike to work on a sunny day is not an inconvenience - just try it! Some of my best days were when I used to live in Deep Cove and ride to work in Richmond....unfortunately selling real estate doesn't allow me that luxury very often but whenever I can, I love the feeling of riding my bike to get somewhere-a ride with a purpose!
(All cited quotes & figures are from The Globe & Mail)