Environment

No single source is trusted by a majority of the British public to tell the truth about the risks of chemicals in household goods used in society, according to a survey by the MORI Social Research Institute for the Scientific Alliance.

Recent MORI qualitative research, conducted for the National Consumer Council (NCC) has found that being environmentally friendly is much more accessible for the middle classes. Yet, people on the lowest incomes are just as willing as the better off to use more sustainable goods and services.

Almost two thirds of British people support the idea of paying 10p at shops for plastic bags, according to a new report from the MORI Social Research Institute. The survey shows 63% of British people support the idea, compared to 27% who are opposed.

Most people in Britain believe there will be a need to increase the capacity of the country's airports over the next 30 years, according to new research by MORI.

Most tourists to Argyll are not aware that there are wind farms in the area, and half of those who are aware don't know their exact location, according to research by MORI Scotland.

Fewer drivers say they buy their petrol and diesel from ESSO than did a year ago, according to new research from the MORI Social Research Institute. In August 2001, a quarter of UK drivers (26%) said they bought from ESSO, but in July 2002, this had dropped to one in five (19%).

Eight in ten British travellers would be willing to pay to offset the environmental impact of their flights, car rental and accommodation.

Wind, wave and solar power are the preferred sources of energy for almost three quarters of people in Britain. In a survey carried out by the MORI Social Research Institute for Greenpeace, renewable energy forms were supported by 72% whilst one in 20 (six per cent) supported nuclear power.

New research by the MORI Social Research Institute has raised interesting facts about who (or what) the public feels offers the greatest threat to green spaces. Surprisingly, when pointing the finger of blame it is not local planners, politicians or pollution which are perceived as the greatest threat — but the public itself!