Many studies have shown that women are more eco-friendly than men. But what makes this so and why are we greener?
The miles between us
The next time your guy doesn’t want to walk to work, remind him that men emit more carbon emissions. A recent study in France proved this, stating that men emit an average of 39.3 kilograms of carbon per day, whereas women emit only 32.3 kilograms. One of the reasons for this as cited by the research is that men use transport less efficiently.
‘Green guilt’
As women we’re naturally more prone to guilt. Just think of how we might feel after savoring a second slice of red velvet cake when we’re on a diet. Well, that guilt gene seems to crop up again when it comes to eco-friendliness. A recent study by Tiller revealed that more women than men are likely to make eco New Year’s resolutions and 41% of them will experience guilt if they don’t follow through, while only 27% of men will feel bad.
So why are we greener?
From our mouths to the planet
That same French study found that men are likely to consume food that contributes to carbon emissions. If you think about it, as women we’re usually the gender to pick at salads while our dates feast on burgers, and this can explain our eco-friendliness. As so many of us are regularly watching our diets, we could be eating greener for health reasons. This winds up also benefiting the planet because we’re lowering our carbon emissions.
We’re running things at home
As women we are usually the members of the household who look after the children and clean the house, so this might make us more aware of how we’re living and whether or not our homes are healthy. For instance, since we clean so often we might invest in eco cleaning products, and as we’re feeding our children we’ll be more prone to think about organic food that will be healthier for them. Such lifestyle changes lead to a higher green rating.
We’re more empathetic
Ever found it strange that while you’re crying during a movie that features an animal being wounded your boyfriend looks unaffected? You might think women are just more empathetic, and that could be true. Research has found that while men and women can behave empathetically, women respond with feeling to a situation while men often understand it but don’t necessarily feel the emotions of that person or animal. According to a 2003 study by the Institute of Women’s Policy Research, women have higher levels of empathy, altruism and personal responsibility which make them more interested in environmentalism as a way to protect themselves, their families and others.
We join forces
If you look at how men and women bond, you’ll see some differences. Women might see bonding as involving quality time with the girls over delicious food in a quiet place where they can talk. Men, on the other hand, might want to go for a motorcycle ride or play a fast-paced sport that results in a shared experience rather than time to chit-chat. This bonding or uniting of women can lead to women helping each other and, perhaps, greater causes. According to research by the Social Issues Research Centre, female friendships can be seen in our ancestors. While men hunted, women forged friendships based on caring of each other’s children, helping each other and sharing of daily tasks. In today’s world we still have those bonding instincts. In fact, they could be increasing because of the current age of urban alienation.
By joining together and bonding with other women, such friendships can become a foundation for joint causes and environmental activism. Just think of mothers in the community getting involved in eroding crime or taking a stand against litter, for instance.
