It’s easy being green, new Earth Day stats show

Recycling is on the rise, and more consumers are going green, according to a new Earth Day-timed study from Bridgestone.

The company surveyed 4,000 Americans about their green habits and found that 86 percent of consumers recycle, and 52 percent recycle more than they did two years ago.  Bridgestone released these findings today as part of its Earth Day 2013 Consumer Recycling and Sustainability Survey.

The study revealed that 92 percent of consumers say a product or manufacturer’s environmental sustainability has some impact on their purchasing decisions. Respondents also indicated that the most important ways a company can show they are environmentally friendly are creating a product that minimizes energy and water use and that minimizes generated waste and carbon emissions tied to waste.

Seattle, Wash., and Minneapolis, Minn., are home to the most recyclers using curbside or recycling centers; and residents of Riverside, Calif., are the most committed to recycling anything and everything they can.

The infographic released with the study provides tips on how to recycle the most difficult items, including donating large items like refrigerators to local organizations like Habitat for Humanity.

This Earth Day, consumers are reminded to take care of our planet, and as 80 percent of the respondents noted, recycling will continue to grow in importance in the future.

Take a look at the full infographic below.

Photo Credit: Bridgestone America