While Americans continue to espouse concern for environmental protection, green causes have lost some of their celebrity status in the midst of the current economic boom. A study by Wirthlin Worldwide indicates that while three-fourths of the public supported "environmental protection at any cost" in 1997, only 64% share the same view today.
Of the respondents, 56% said they were "sympathetic to environmental concerns," but only 10% called themselves "environmental activists."
Waning support for environmental protection can be partly attributed to the current public distaste for proposed increases in government regulation. Fifty-seven percent of those surveyed said the U.S. has the right amount or too much government regulation of the environment at present. And fewer than one in four said they'd be willing to see the U.S. sacrifice economic growth for the sake of preserving environmental quality.
And yet, consumers still factor environmental safety into their overall perceptions of corporations - particularly in the area of public health, the study reports. The chemical industry continues to be vilified for its environmental impact on health. Additionally two-thirds of those surveyed would quit using a product if there were "suspicion" that the product might harm the environment or endanger public health, even if there was no scientific evidence.
Of course, these are the fears that proliferate on the Web like wildfire. Raise your hand if you've seen the email warning claiming a link between antiperspirants and breast cancer. Now raise your hand if you're sure.