Canadian Youth Care About Environment

1.

The #1 environmental concern for all kids across the country is protecting animals from extinction.

• 69% of kids consider this issue very important, ahead of litter (63%), air pollution (61%), water pollution (61%), energy waste (49%) and climate change (39%)

2.

There is a high level of awareness amongst kids for key environmental issues such as litter, animal extinction, energy waste, and air and water pollution.

• More than two-thirds of kids are aware of these issues, and awareness is even more pronounced among Earth Rangers members

3.

80% of kids believe they can make a positive difference for animals and the environment.

• This is more pronounced among Earth Rangers members, with 90% of members (vs. 69% of non-members) being confident in their own ability to have a direct impact on the future survival of animals

4.

The majority of kids have done environmentally-friendly activities in the past year.

• 86% have used reusable water bottles
• 77% have saved water by not running the tap too long
• 75% have picked up litter
• 50% have recycled batteries

5.

84% of all kids report having influenced the environmental behaviours of their parents.

6.

Significantly more Earth Rangers report being actively involved in actions that are helping to save animals and their habitats.

• 58% of Earth Rangers members vs. 9% of non-members

7.

More Earth Rangers members believe that it is “very important” to help protect the environment.

• 91% of Earth Rangers members vs. 78% of non-members

8.

Earth Rangers are more confident and optimistic about the impact kids can have on the environment.   

• 85% of Earth Rangers members vs. 55% of non-members believe kids can make a positive difference to the health of our planet

9.

More Earth Rangers believe that it is “very important” to take action to help the environment.

• Protecting animals from extinction: 94% of Earth Rangers members vs. 72% of non-members
• Recycling: 89% of Earth Rangers members vs. 79% of non-members
• Saving water and energy: 86% of Earth Rangers members vs. 75% of non-members

10.

Participation in Earth Rangers stimulates a greater concern for all social issues, beyond protecting animals and the environment. More Earth Rangers members report:

• Collecting food for food banks (77% vs. 59%)
• Raising money for good causes (79% vs. 52%)
• Helping homeless people (79% vs. 53%)
• Building schools in underdeveloped countries (67% vs. 42%)
• Volunteering (56% vs. 38%)