Generational Divide: How Americans View Eco-Friendly Gardening Practices

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As American citizens continue to use conservation practices in their daily lives, a recent survey by CivicScience
reveals that Americans increasingly consider eco-friendly practices in their garden and lawn care. The survey
highlights a generational divide in attitudes toward sustainable landscaping.

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Lifestyle Habits
From June 7 to June 14, 2024, CivicScience surveyed just over 2,000 U.S. respondents on their views about
eco-friendly gardening. The results show that nearly a quarter regard eco-friendly practices as “very
important.” Meanwhile, 40.3% consider them “somewhat important.” However, 18% of participants dismiss
these practices as “not at all important,” and another 18.1% do not have property to manage.

Primary Behaviors
When comparing other lifestyle habits for respondents who say that eco-friendly gardening habits are ‘very or
somewhat important’, four primary behaviors and sentiments are closely correlated:
● Comparing prices before buying
● Researching online reviews before making a purchase
● Concerned about environmental issues
● Favor locally-owned businesses

Generational Differences
Age plays a significant role in eco-friendly gardening practices. Older respondents, particularly those aged 65
and above, are more inclined to value eco-friendly practices. In this age group, 20% consider them “very
important,” and 22% find them “somewhat important.” This contrasts sharply with younger respondents aged
18-24, where only 12% view eco-friendliness as “very important.”
The survey also reveals that younger age groups are less likely to prioritize eco-friendly practices. Among those
aged 18-24, only 11% consider these practices “somewhat important.” This trend continues with respondents
aged 25-29 and 30-34, where the numbers remain low at 8% and 9%, respectively.
Interestingly, the survey indicates that middle-aged respondents, particularly those aged 35-44, show a
stronger inclination toward eco-friendly practices. In this group, 16% consider them “very important,” and 18%
find them “somewhat important.” This suggests a growing awareness of environmental issues among those in
their mid-career years.

For those who dismiss eco-friendly practices, the survey shows a notable concentration among respondents
aged 45-54 and 55-64. In these age groups, 22% and 21%, respectively, consider such practices “not at all
important.” This could reflect a generational gap in environmental priorities or differing levels of awareness
and education on sustainability issues.
The survey’s methodology involved digital polling across CivicScience platforms, ensuring a diverse and
representative sample of U.S. respondents. The data provides valuable insights into how different age groups
perceive the importance of eco-friendly practices in their outdoor spaces.

As environmental awareness continues to rise, these findings underscore the need for targeted educational
campaigns to bridge the generational divide. Encouraging younger generations to adopt sustainable practices
could be crucial in fostering a more eco-conscious society.

Climate Crisis 24/7 used generative AI technology to help produce this article, which a human editor at Climate Crisis 24/7 edited. Climate Crisis 24/7 is dedicated to accuracy and transparency; any article that uses AI will be noted.