Americans' 'green' attitudes declining

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NEW YORK, April 19 (UPI) -- "Green" attitudes and behaviors regarding the environment have been declining in Americans since 2009, a poll indicates.

A Harris Poll tracking attitudes about the environment and engagement in various environmentally friendly or "green" behaviors, including those capable of saving consumers money, found an ongoing decline, a Harris release said Thursday.

In 2012, the poll showed, U.S. adults are now less likely to do each of the following in their daily life:

-- Reuse things they have instead of throwing them away or buying new items: 65 percent in 2009 versus 61 percent in 2012.

-- Make an effort to use less water: 60 percent in 2009, 57 percent in 2012.

-- Buy food in bulk: 33 percent in 2009, 30 percent in 2012.

-- Purchase all-natural products: 18 percent in 2009, 16 percent in 2012.

-- Purchase organic products: 17 percent in 2009, 15 percent in 2012.

Overall, fewer Americans describe themselves as "environmentally conscious" -- 27 percent in 2012 compared with 30 percent in 2009 -- or say they personally care a great deal about the current state, and future, of the environment, 31 percent in 2012 versus 36 percent in 2009.

The poll of 2,451 U.S. adults ages 18 and older was conducted March 12-19. No margin of error was given.