New Survey Reveals Lack of Knowledge about Sources of Natural Materials in UK
A recent survey conducted in the UK has uncovered a concerning lack of knowledge regarding the sources of natural materials such as cork, bamboo, and rubber. The survey, which was commissioned by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) UK and distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/, revealed that only half of the respondents were able to accurately identify that cork, bamboo, and rubber are all sourced from trees.
The survey also highlighted a lack of understanding about textiles and the materials used to make them. Surprisingly, more people believed that cotton, which is sourced from plants, comes from forests than viscose, a man-made material made from cellulose mostly derived from trees. The survey also found that while 73% of people believe it is important for man-made cellulosic fibers to be sustainably sourced, a lack of knowledge could be undermining their good intentions.
Interestingly, despite younger generations typically being more aware and proactive about sustainability, they were found to be less knowledgeable about the sources of materials such as cork and natural rubber, which both come from trees. In contrast, older generations were more likely to correctly identify these sources.
Tallulah Chapman, Communications Manager at FSC UK, commented on the survey’s findings, stating, “FSC certification is now commonplace in the wood and paper sectors, and it is fairly easy to find FSC-labelled products of this kind in the UK. FSC has continually developed over the 30 years since its foundation, expanding its tools to support more forest-dependent industries and forest-based products. The first FSC-certified garments are now starting to appear on the UK market, enabling shoppers to choose clothing made with viscose that supports responsible forestry.”
The survey also revealed that more than half of the respondents actively look for certification labels when shopping for forest-based products, with 90% recognizing the FSC logo. When shown the FSC logo, 79% of the respondents stated that they had seen it before.
For those who want to ensure that their purchases support responsible forestry, the survey’s results suggest starting by asking what materials products are made from. Additionally, looking for credible certification labels, such as FSC for forest-based products, can be an easy way to ensure that one’s actions align with their sustainable intentions.
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