A wide majority of Americans (93.9%) think recycling is good for the environment and over 81% of U.S. households recycle, says a national survey of consumers.*

The survey found that of those households that recycle, 82% recycle glass bottles. When consumers were asked which containers are most “environmentally friendly,” 22.3% chose glass bottles and jars, while 27.3% answered paper containers. Few chose plastic bottles (8%) or bag-in-box containers (9.5%). Most consumers (78%) also know glass bottles and jars can be recycled back into the same package again and again.

According to Doyle Yoon, PhD, a Professor at Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Oklahoma, there is a high correlation between what people think about recycling and their actions. If a person thinks recycling is good for the environment, they are nearly 83% more likely to recycle.

Women ages 40 to 60 with incomes over $25,000 a year are among those most likely to recycle, the findings continue. They believe recycling is important, and they actually recycle. It also finds a direct correlation between individuals who recycle and those who buy food products in recyclable packaging. People who recycle are five times more likely to seek products in recyclable packaging.

Consumers know glass is pure. Nearly 60% of consumers believe glass packaging is “best suited to a healthy lifestyle.” And while 83.1% of consumers think plastic containers have added chemicals, only 11.9% think glass does.

In fact, there are no synthetic additives or chemicals in glass containers at all. Made from all natural resources—sand, soda ash, limestone, and recycled glass—and with a 400-year record of safety, glass is the only packaging material “generally recognized as safe,” (GRAS) by the FDA for food and beverage contact. Glass containers are endlessly recyclable back to their original form with no loss of quality or purity. Additionally, use of recycled glass cullet extends glass plant furnace life while eliminating processing by-products. Recycling glass containers saves raw materials, lessens energy demands, and cuts CO2 emissions—a winning combination for both consumers and the environment.

A survey of 750 Americans was conducted by telephone in July 2009 by Newton Marketing Research, Norman, Oklahoma, in conjunction with Doyle Yoon, PhD, a Professor at Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Oklahoma. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.7%.

The Glass Packaging Institute is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. Through GPI, glass container manufacturers speak with one voice to advocate industry standards, promote sound environmental policies and educate packaging professionals.

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