Americans Driving Less, Conserving Water

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If you were concerned about green fatigue hitting the masses, a new poll suggests Americans are still eco-conscious.

According to an ABC News/Planet Green/Stanford University poll, environmentally aware citizens are being hit hard by high energy prices causing them to conserve. Seven in ten Americans said they are trying to reduce their carbon footprint mainly by driving less, using less electricity, and recycling.

Among Americans who are taking steps to conserve, 59 percent say they're using less gasoline by driving less, using smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, carpooling, or taking mass transit; 60 percent say they're reducing power and water consumption; and 33 percent are recycling.

The environment is a motivating factor - a third reported this was their main impetus for action - but a quarter of respondents said they were taking these steps to save money. And 41 percent said it's for both reasons equally.

The poll also found that the majority supports oil drilling in protected coastal and wilderness areas, and 64 percent rated "finding new energy sources" as more important than improving conservation.

In addition, 44 percent - the most in 28 years - favor building nuclear plants.

ABC News explains that in the past, polls have shown broadest support for alternative energy, and the outlet suggests that today's support for oil drilling, and lessened objection to nuclear power, indicate Americans' concern over the current energy situation.

Here are some other interesting numbers from the poll:

• Two-thirds say the U.S. government should act on global warming even if other countries do less.
• Three-quarters believe global warming can be reduced only if individuals make major changes in their lifestyles.
• Eight in 10 believe both that global warming is happening and that it poses a threat to future generations, and about six in 10 think it's caused mainly by things people or businesses do.
• 41 percent describe themselves personally as environmentalists; 30 percent of Republicans and 50 percent of Democrats call themselves environmentalists.
• 37 percent of Americans think that if nothing is done to address global warming it'll pose a serious threat to them in their own lifetimes, but 73 percent think it'll pose a serious threat in their children's lifetimes.
• Women (63 percent) are much more likely than men (47 percent) to think the environment is in poor shape.

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