In a recent survey conducted by CivicScience, a striking contrast emerged between those who consistently use reusable shopping bags and those who never do. From January 1 to April 17, 2025, the survey gathered responses from U.S. residents, revealing intriguing insights into consumer behavior and demographics.
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Among the respondents, 36.2% reported using reusable shopping bags every chance they get, while 18% admitted to never using them. This divide highlights a significant difference in environmental consciousness and convenience-driven habits.
Demographic factors play a crucial role in these behaviors. For instance, individuals living in suburban areas are more likely to use reusable bags consistently, with 40% of the “yes, every chance I get” group residing in suburbs. In contrast, 36% of those who never use reusable bags also live in suburban areas, suggesting a mixed attitude towards sustainability in these regions.
Parental status also influences bag usage. Among those who always use reusable bags, 41% are parents, indicating a potential link between family responsibilities and environmental awareness. Conversely, 42% of non-users are parents, suggesting that convenience may outweigh eco-friendly choices for some families.
Education level further distinguishes these groups. Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher make up 40% of the consistent reusable bag users, while only 33% of non-users have attained the same level of education. This suggests that higher education may correlate with increased environmental awareness and action.
Age is another factor, with older adults more likely to use reusable bags consistently. Among the “yes, every chance I get” respondents, 24% are 65 or older, compared to 19% of non-users. This trend may reflect generational differences in environmental priorities.
Gender differences are also evident. Women dominate the group of consistent reusable bag users, comprising 58% of this segment. In contrast, men make up 63% of those who never use reusable bags, indicating a gender gap in eco-friendly practices.
Income levels reveal further distinctions. Among those who always use reusable bags, 21% earn less than $30,000 annually, while 25% of non-users fall into the same income bracket. This suggests that financial constraints may not be the primary barrier to adopting sustainable habits.
Overall, the survey underscores the complex interplay of demographics and personal choices in shaping consumer behavior. While some groups demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, others prioritize convenience, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to promote eco-friendly practices across diverse populations.
This article’s data comes solely from CivicScience’s database, which contains nearly 700,000 poll questions and 5 billion consumer insights. Our AI content creation tool, DataScribe, supported the article.
