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6 Surprising Earth Day Statistics

Americans have made a lot of progress over the past few years in regards to our carbon footprint, and in fact 1 in 3.33 adults describe themselves as “environmentally-conscious” and 1 in 7.69 describe themselves as “green,” according to The Book of Odds. But what do the numbers actually show us?

Compiled by Book of Odds from readersdigest.com
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Green Driving
Roughly 1.5 million hybrid cars and SUVs were sold in the U.S. from 2004 to 2009. Despite bumps caused by the recession, sales of fuel-efficient vehicles are on the rise.

1 in 50 adults traded in their vehicle for a more fuel-efficient hybrid, electric, or alternative fuel vehicle in the past 6 months.

1 in 1.02 adults did not make the switch.

Plus:
13 Ways to Go Green
6 Green Gadgets Your Home Needs

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Turn Off the Lights
The energy-conscious are urged to switch off lights if they are going to be out of a room for longer than 5 minutes.

1 in 2.17 adults claim they always keep unneeded lights off or turn the lights off when leaving a room.

1 in 50 adults did not make the switch.

Plus:
13 Ways to Go Green
6 Green Gadgets Your Home Needs

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Recycle, Reduce, Reuse
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, recycling creates jobs, reduces pollution and energy use, and conserves national resources.

1 in 2.38 adults claim they always recycle.

1 in 20 admit they never recycle.

Plus:
13 Ways to Go Green
6 Green Gadgets Your Home Needs

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Trash Can
The average American produces 1,600 pounds of garbage a year.

1 in 3.7 adults claim they always reuse things instead of throwing them away or buying new items.

1 in 25 admit to never reusing things.

Plus:
13 Ways to Go Green
6 Green Gadgets Your Home Needs

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Running Water
The average American uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water a day.

1 in 3.85 adults claim they always make an effort to use less water.

1 in 16.67 admit they never make an effort to conserve water.

Plus:
13 Ways to Go Green
6 Green Gadgets Your Home Needs

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Vampire Power
The electricity used by appliances plugged in but not in use is estimated to account for 1% of global C02 emissions.

1 in 6.25 adults claim they always make an effort to unplug electrical appliances when not using them.

1 in 6.67admit they never make such an effort.

Plus:
13 Ways to Go Green
6 Green Gadgets Your Home Needs

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