Americans Get Serious About Going Green 7 (NAPSA)—Recently, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) commissioned a survey, “The 2012 Energy Habits, Awareness & Perceptions,” with Harris Interactive to see how con- cerned Americans are with domestic energy and greenerliving. The survey found that Americans are increasingly purchasing more green products now than before. In fact, approximately six in 10 survey respondents said they have purchased more environmentally friendly products this year than five years ago. With store shelves and online shopping sites filled with a variety of eco-friendly and green products, consumers have a plethora of choices. And, according to the survey, families are especially benefiting, with American households of more than three more likely to purchase green products than those in households of two or fewer. The survey also found that households with children indicated they are more likely to make green purchasing decisions than households without children. As Americans are becoming greener consumers, they’re also adopting habits to reduce their carbon footprints. The survey found that most American households are taking small steps in their everyday lives to benefit the environment. Someof the things Americans are doingto live greenerare: Turning Off the Lights Roughly nine out of 10 Ameri- ORY Eg es d/10 0/10 1/10 TURN LIGHTS OFF RECYCLE WASH CLOTHES IN COLD WATER e 0 6/10 Z KEEP THEIR THERMOSTATS COLDER TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS @ Propaneis a clean, abundant, domestic fuel that can mean a brighter, greenerfuture for America. cans indicate that they turn off the lights when they leave a room. Recycling Just over eight in 10 Americans recycle. eWashing Clothes in Cold Water Approximately three-fourths of Americans wash clothes in cold emissions than gasoline, which can attract new customers looking for green companies. The school transportation industry is also embracing cleaner alternatives such as propane autogas with significant results. In the state of Texas alone, there are 2,078 propane autogas school water to conserve energy. buses in operation. Propane auto- winter. costs. “Setting Thermostats Colder About seven in 10 Americans set their thermostat colder in the Taking Shorter Showers More than six out of 10 Americans take shorter showers to conserve water. Not only are consumers mak- ing the switch to greener living, many industries and businesses are, too. For example, leading landscape contractors are beginning to utilize alternative fuels such as propane. Propane-fueled commercial mowers emit nearly 50 percent fewer greenhouse gas gas-fueled buses produce 80 percent fewer smog-forming hydrocarbon emissions compared with diesel, while also lowering fuel As Americans and businesses continue making green purchasing decisions and adopting greener lifestyles, more remarkable trends are sureto follow. Certainly, all of these seemingly small efforts will make a big difference towarda healthier future. For more information about propane and its use in various markets, or to learn more about PERC, please visit www.propane council.org.
