Today’s teenagers believe they have the power to fight climate change

Almost half of 13-19 year olds believe they already lead a sustainable lifestyle – with recycling and avoiding food waste high on their list of priorities

Today’s teenagers believe they have the power to help fight climate change – and many are already taking steps to advocate for sustainability.

A survey of 2,000 13-19 year olds found that 41% believe they already lead a sustainable lifestyle, including adopting a plant-based diet or choosing to buy an electric vehicle.

Recycling, avoiding water and food waste, and using reusable tote bags are the top things teens are doing to be more eco-friendly.

A quarter of teens already encourage friends to recycle, and nearly half (44%) admit they were inspired to become more eco-responsible because someone they knew did.

More than a third learn what’s happening to the planet from family, while 31% get their information from online news and social media.

Almost half agree that everyone must work together to limit the impact of climate change, and three-quarters (76%) agree young people have the power to address the issue.

And more than a third believe their peers are willing to make behavioral changes that could help protect the environment.

Evian’s Lucille Moreau, who commissioned the survey, said: “We are pleased to see in our research that young people share our values ​​when it comes to making simple changes to reduce their carbon footprint and lead a sustainable lifestyle – however, we recognize that more needs to be done.

“So as part of our journey, we are striving to become a circular brand by 2025. We know we still have more to do, and together we all have a role to play in reducing our environmental impact.”

Conducted via OnePoll, the study also found that one in three teenagers (34%) said “sustainability” and “helping reduce our impact on the planet” are common topics of conversation in their friendship groups.

Shopping habits are also well thought out by this age group, with a third preferring sustainably designed products over non-sustainable variants.

And the average teenager is willing to pay 30% more for an eco-friendly version of something.

Leaving the lights on longer than necessary (38%), forgetting to turn off the TV when no one is watching (34%) and food waste (33%) are the most common environmental issues argued about at home.

It also found that 44% have previously blamed a parent for doing something that wasn’t sustainable – indicating they are willing to encourage others to make small changes to reduce their environmental impact reduce.

Lucille Moreau added: “To mark Earth Day and our collaboration with MATE, evian is proud to be certified carbon neutral since 2020 and has been reducing its emissions every year since.”

THE 20 BEST THINGS YOUTH DO TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE:

1. Recycle
2. Avoid wasting food and water
3. Use reusable tote bags
4. Always wash cans and bottles before recycling
5. Use energy-saving lamps
6. Switch off the plug and switch off building services when not in use
7. Encourage friends to recycle
8. Buy products made from recycled materials
9. Check labels in stores before you buy anything to make sure the products are recyclable
10. Increase the proportion of plant-based foods in your diet
11. Use a compost bin
12. Check labels in stores before you buy anything to make sure it’s eco-friendly
13. Use or encourage parents to buy eco cleaning products
14. Try buying second hand
15. Use or encourage parents to use a renewable energy provider
16. Check the material of furnishings such as soft furnishings and where they come from
17. Eat a vegetarian/vegan diet
18. planting trees
19. Grow your own produce
20. When choosing a vacation destination, consider your carbon footprint