The Personal Threat of Environmental Problems as Predictor of Environmental Practices

640 adult residents of Orange County, California completed a survey regarding their perceived threat of environmental problems. Ss who perceived that environmental problems pose a very serious threat to their health and well-being were more likely to engage in environmental practices, specifically recycling, conserving water, buying environmentally safe products, and limiting their driving. Personal environmental threat was a better predictor of overall environmental practices than were demographic variables or political factors. Perceived environmental threat was highest among younger Ss, women, liberals, and Democrats.