Just 1/3 of Americans Would Give Up iPod if They Thought It Harmed the Environment

A survey has reported that most Americans are trying to buy more green products but not at the expense of convenience or comfort. And most Americans wouldn't give up their iPod microwave oven air conditioning cell phone or computer even if they thought it harmed the environment.

The survey, which polled 1,006 consumers across the country, found 60 percent of Americans are looking for greener products. However, given a choice between their comfort, convenience or the environment, 38 percent of respondents said they'd choose their convenience, 36 percent said they'd choose comfort and 26 percent said they'd choose the environment, the survey found.

"Consumers don't want to give up the modern conveniences of life," said Suzanne Shelton, whose firm conducted the survey. "We're all basically saying, 'I'll be green as long it doesn't make me uncomfortable or inconvenienced.'"

The survey found consumers were reluctant to give up their favorite modern conveniences, even if they were to learn that one of them hurt the environment. Asked, "If you thought these things were harming the environment, which of the following would you be willing to give up?" less than half of those polled were willing to give up a variety of things:

• iPod - 38 percent would be willing to do without it
• Dishwasher - 35 percent
• Microwave - 25 percent
• Cellular phone - 21 percent
• Air conditioning - 14 percent
• TV - 13 percent
• Computer - 7 percent
• Car - 6 percent
• None of the above - 21 percent
• All of the above - 6 percent

"For most Americans, what once were considered conveniences have become necessities," Shelton said. "That means the green movement has its work cut out for it: Convenience and comfort are big barriers for consumers going green.

"It means a lot of people simply won't take on green projects, or buy a green product if they have to go to a different store to find it or if it somehow takes away from their personal comfort," Shelton added.