OVERVIEW
We examine climate change, energy, protected land, and access to open space in this sector. We ask questions about outdoor recreation participation, how one helps the environment, and strengthening the relationship between people and our natural surroundings.
Comparable counties are available for some of these indicators by selecting them from the geography filter.
INDICATORS
SURVEY RESULTS
Two out of three respondents feel very welcome in outdoor spaces, with the other one out of three feeling somewhat welcome. People of color respondents felt less welcome than whites, with half feeling somewhat welcome and only one out of three feeling very welcome.
Half of the survey respondents do not feel limited in their ability to participate in outdoor recreation. However, one out of five respondents feels they are limited because they need someone to go with, lack knowledge about these activities, or have safety concerns. The percentage of respondents feeling limited increases for people of color, with all reasons increasing.
Three out of four survey respondents use energy-efficient appliances or recycle. Over half of respondents think about what they consume, eat locally grown foods, or have a natural chemical-free lawn. One out of four respondents have a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle or invest in or use renewable energy. The highest-rated choices drop by 10% for lower-income respondents and 15-25% for people of color.
Survey respondents said investing in renewable energy and increasing conservation education is important. Increasing access to sustainable ways to use the land and increasing opportunities to be in the natural environment are also important.
Five out of ten survey respondents can always or often obtain locally grown food. Meanwhile, four out of ten respondents can never or only occasionally obtain locally grown food. Part of this is due to the financial cost of locally grown food. However, it is also due to the seasonality of our local products.