Explanation of response given to government shortfall scenario repsonse
Because why should I do more if they are doing less
I would have to do my part to make up for it.
I already do what I can; so government deficiencies are a call to political action. I merely regard petitions (previous question) as largely ineffectual -- "Internet" petitions most of all.
Its not necessarily my duty to make up for the governments shortcomings here; they can implement large scale changes on a much bigger scale, too.
I feel like its up to the individuals and the enrgy companies to conserve energy and not the government.
It is our collective responsibility to care for the planet. Whether or not a government agency is doing their part is not a factor. Although our governments should be taking action to improve their efforts, citizens can still do their part alone.
My family already does quite a bit to conserve energy and protect the environment. Any further actions would likely require major lifestyle changes and lead to new hardships. They could be done but it would take significant effort.
I would not change my current enviornmental effords if the governments actions fell short of its environmental responisiblity. I feel that by doing more than I am currently doing, wouldn't make a difference in what the government was doing. I feel that I o a good amount of helping the environment now so increasing wouldn't make a difference.
It's citizens responsibility to conserve the environment.
My responsibility has no direct relation to the state's behavior.
I only have limted time but I would try to devot a litte more time If the government starts to really fall short of what it should be doing to preserver our environment and our future.
I feel it is still my personal responsibility to increase my efforts even though the government may not be doing as much as it should.
It is still my duty to live up to my environmental responsibility.
I would try to do my part to make up for the shortcomings of the government
I would feel that I need to 'make up for' the government's weak response. Plus, how can I criticize if my own efforts leave plenty of room for improvement? I can't clean the government's house but I can certainly clean mine.
It is important to remember people will be living after we have gone and we need to leave the planet in a decent state for them
I cannot control anything the government does, but I can do small changes myself. Doing some more yourelf is helping
I'm already doing a reasonable amount towards environmental efforts.
In the end government can or is willing to do so much. they can set guidelines and even laws. But in the end it is up to the individual citizens to lead the way. where as our government actions may very well short then it starts with us to make up the diference. In the end it really is up to us the people.
Because I need to personally take responsibility for my own environmental related behavior because its the one thing that I can control. If the government was more responsible that I would have less freedom to engage in environmentally unfriendly behavio, but since the government is not taking the lead I need to do more to make myself environmentally responsible.
I do not feel that my actions would make that big of a difference, so I wouldn't really make an effort to change them.
Because it would be more important than ever for each citizen to increase their environmental efforts.
Because I do what is required by the government, whether it is a lot or a little.
I already do most of what I can, so it would not affect me.
I will increase my efforts a little , because it will help the government
I am part of the government, as "we the people" govern ourselves. I cannot do a lot, but I can do a little, so that is wht I would do. If everyone does a little it will all add up.
It would make me mad that the government does not take this serious. I really would be inclined to decrease, but I know that is wrong and maybe the more I can do will help especially if the government is not doing anything.
I don't know if the government would really effect my personal use.
Even though my actions contribute negatively to the environment, it's hard to change behavior. It really is. That's all I can say.
To help make a change in my slice of the world.
Someone has to try to pick up the slack. Every little bit helps
I do not believe the government is here to babysit us or constantly administer laws and regulations.
I think trying to be as environmental as possible is good no matter what the government is doing. I don't have to fall short just because the government is falling short.
I would increase my efforts regardless of the government's efforts and I would think that since they were not doing their part, it would be up to everyone else to do more to make up for that.
if the government's environmental actions fall short in this regard, then it us up to the individual citizens such as myself to collectively make up for this shortfall through our actions.
If the government is falling short of doing what they should (which I believe they stink at by the way) I feel it's my DUTY to do as much as I can to ensure a healthy and happy earth for all. Sounds kinda corny, but each person does have a responsibilityto do all they can to conserve, as there are only so many resources and they will not last forever.
I don't plan on altering my behavior just because others feel that the government is not living up to their expectations.
I am always looking for ways to increase my evironmental responsibility. Regardless of what the government does
I would increase my efforts because we all need to take responsibility in protecting the environment of the Planet Earth.
If the government fell short then the rest of us need to do a little more to make up for their lack of action. Even though it may not seem like much, when muliplied by untold millions of people, it will make a difference.
I already bike, recycle, use an EnergyStar computer, conserve electricity in a variety of ways (I say as I sit in my office wearing a sweater and long johns so I can keep the thermostat low). I'm already doing pretty well when it comes to environmental imact.
Any little bit I can do to contribute can only help.
I believe the government’s environmental actions already fall short of its environmental responsibility and I have not really taken any steps to increase or decrease my environmental efforts. I do recycle and try to buy as many eco-friendly items as I an but that is the extent that I will go to. I have never been very preoccuped by the environment and I am not going to start now.
I will by LED light bulbs and recycle more.
Just because the government is responsible for the bulk of environmental change does not mean that I am off the hook; I should be environmentally conscious no matter what.
Since the government is not doing anything, why should I increase or decrease my own efforts. I will do exactly what I am doing now and make no changes to my current efforts.
Because if the government cant keep up their side then it is up to the consumer/public to step up more than normal to pick up the slack
If we all "gave a little" it would result in a larger effort and since the government isn't doing their part, then we must.
I feel that i'm making a sufficient effort already
If the government fell short of its responsibility, we all would have to do more in order to secure a healthy evnironment for our children.
If everyone increased their environmental efforts, it would make a big impact overall.
While the government does need to do more, it is us "little people" that can make a change. If 1 out of 3 would recycle more, we could put a huge dent in the numbers.
I already do as much as I can, I can't make up for the government's shortcomings.
I want to keep the environment safer, even if my part only makes it a little bit better
I think its the job of everyone to make environmental changes and if the government is not doing enough then its our jobs to do our part at least. Its better for everyone in the long run. If I can make more changes it could help to offset what the governmnt is failing to do.
Because I feel part of my responsibility is to encourage the government to up its environmental action.
I think I am doing my fair share already, but if I felt that the government could or should be doing more than I would increase my actions in an effort to get the government to live up to it's responsibilities. These actions might include singing petitios, or attending rally's etc.
How could me shivering in a cold house possibly make up for the government failing to pass laws that will do things like ensure every car on the road gets decent mileage?
I want to do what I can and hope that other people feel the same way. Even if the government is failing the future, I don't want to be a part of that.
If the government is not meeting their responsibilities when it comes to being environmentally friendly, I feel like it would be my personal duty to increase my environmental efforts, including educating others about being environmentally friendly.
I'm already environmentally responsible, it's not on me to step my efforts up because the government fails
I would just try to do better if I knew the. Gov was falling short. I would start to feel worried about it.
If the government does not implement sufficient policies to regulate emissions and waste from large corporations then it becomes the citizens responsibility to offset the environmental damage.
I recycle, buy renewable-energy produced and/or recycled material products, and hope to be able to afford an electric car one day, which would lower my impact. I have no kids, so my carbon footprint isn't mutiplying. I will be mostly the same but think th government should continue to increase environmentally friendly laws. The goverment is better than it used to be but needs to do more.
It's all a bunch of hocus pocus nonsensical, religious like garbage and I don't care. The best way for a society to become more "eco-friendly" is for it to advance technologically.
Even though consciously I know my action would have little to no effect, I would still feel better, making up for the government's lack of action.
I feel that my efforts would not be affected by government action.
I feel I should do all I can to help out with this cause no matter what others are doing.
I'm just not sure, the envrioment seems fine to me.
I feel the government should always set the example for what others should be doing. If they are falling short, then it tells me they don't care enough about us and therefore I'm not going to exert any more effort.
I would want to make up for the government not doing its part.
I think it is difficult to make people change their habits even if it is for the greater good. In the long term of things, and although highly unlikely event, if only one person were to make changes, no different results would be seen.
I would increase my efforts because change starts from me
I imagine that over 99% of government offices have their thermostats set at least to 68 degrees. Right now, to afford propane at it's increased cost, I am dressed in a sweatsuit taking this survey in a 62 degree room. I am not the party that needs to tae a positive action.
If governments are not going to fulfill their responsibility so the environment is for every one. It makes me do more to serve for better environment.
Because if the government isnt going to do it then someone has to. And another thing would be to vote out any and all republicans if you want any decent energy policy.
It's better for the environment. People need to know there are limited resources on this planet.
I feel that I should do my part irregardless of whether the government falls short
I would increase my efforts in an attempt to raise awareness among my family and friends, and with the idea that "every little bit helps" when it comes to environmental effort.
I already do the most that I'm willing to in order to benefit the environment. Whether the government does more or less does not affect what I should do. Also, my impact as an individual is about zero anyway, so any modulation of my environmental concern s pitifully small - keeping in mind that I already recycle, limit energy usage as much as possible, buy environmentally friendly products and packaging, and make use of manual locomotion and mass transit.
What the government does has no effect on how I act individually.
Because it is not up to the government to make decisions for everyone. Each person needs to take responsibility for his or her own life, and their actions need to aligned with their beliefs, whether or not the government is living up to their responsibiliy.
What the government does in this regard doesn't affect what I do.
Someone has to try to start change and it starts with myself. If I increase environmental efforts, so will others. Then maybe the government will start to take responsibility.
I will do what i can to assist in this effort, regardless of what the government does or does not do.
Just because the government proves incapable and incompetent doesn't mean I should as well.
I feel that it is extremely important for individuals to change their ways as well as the government.
If the government's actions fell short, I think it would fall on the average person to increase efforts and promote more efforts to compensate.
I think that I would want to improve my environmental actions.
I think i'm already doing things that help the environment
I would increase my benefits a little, as I already try to be environmentally responsible. There's only so much one person can do, however if everyone were to do it, it would make a great change.
Because if I didn't I wouldn't be doing my part.
If the government or other people are not doing enough< i need to do more to make more of a difference
I'm selfish; the government's actions really have no bearing on my actions. I will not alter my actions based on the government.
I would not change because it is not my responsibility.
I would want to do my part in turning things around and getting them back on track
I don't understand how much "environmental responsibility" that I or my government has or even what it really means.
I don't have the money to change my lifestyle
I don't care about environmental efforts either way.
to try and do what I can to help preserve resources
In attempt to make up for their shortcomings as much as possible.
I could increase my enviromnental efforts a little bit by recycling 100% of the time.
Because there is very little I can do that will actually affect anything. The government is capable of much more if it would actually take action. I could make sure I turn off all the lights and so on, but it won't have the same effect as the governmentregulating factories and actually changing policies to reduce waste and our carbon footprint.
I cant change the amount the government does but I can control how much enviormental practices I do so I would increase it.
I would probably not change my life style in less I was forced to .
I feel that I am already doing as much as I can to impact my environment. To do more would require increased financial output, something which I cannot currently justify due to my personal budget situation.
It would still help especially if most people acted accordingly.
as one person I cant do much to improve the enviroment or the governments enviroment piolicies. I do all that I can by composting, growing my own veggies and herbs and recycling
Someone needs to take into consideration what the environment is going to be like for our children and our children's children.
If this happened it would be up to the citizens to change their habits though this would take a collective effort to have any impact.
I feel like what I do is independent of what the government does. I feel like I do a decent amount. The only thing that would prompt me to do more would be my own sense of obligation, not whether the government was doing well or not. And I think it's iportant to keep up my efforts, so I wouldn't decrease them because of the government's inaction.
If the government is going to fall shor it will be up to individual consumers such as myself to do more than my part.
I would feel like I needed to pick up the slack if they weren't doing their part.
I don't have the money or time to worry about this.
If the government is falling short, the responsibility to pick up where it fails falls on the people of the country. although i dont view myself as doing alot to change the situation, if everyone does just a little more, it can create a big change.
I would make no changes because I am already doing as much as I feel I can to be environmentally conscious.
Because some attention should be made but there are more important issues to focus greater energies on
I feel that it is everyone's responsibility to take action for environmental safety. Everyone needs to do their part.
The government will shift from one extreme to the other eventually. As long as I stay the course and continue using less than my peers, I am doing what I can.
I think I couldalways do more, and since the weather is getting wild and my city could be underwater in a few decades, I should make an effort. The government should do as much as possible, but that doesn't have any bearing on what I, as an individual, ca do.
I think we all need to pitch in regardless of what the government does. if wait for the government to do things, we willo always be waitinhg.
It's not my responsibility to take action it's the governments.
Their inaction would motivate me to push harder for action from society at large.
Each individual would need to take the responsibility of increasing environmental efforts if the government's actions fall short.
Because while I may not be responsible for the actions and decision of the government, I am responsible for these things in my own life.
I would increase my environmental efforts because any effort to help the environment helps at least a little bit.
I would probably increase my environmental actions somewhat regardless, but knowing that the government isn't taking responsibility for the matter makes me feel that I should at least do something to contribute to helping to decrease overall energy consumtion in the world. In reality, of course, I will probably not maintain that reduction in energy usage, but I think it would be beneficial to the world at large if I at least attempt to make changes in that area of my life.
In my opinion, if the government isn't going to try to do anything about the environment then the little bit that I do will not make a difference what so ever.
Everyone can make a difference, someone needs to pick up the slack
If they won't take responsibility, it's up to me to do it!
I have to do at least a little bit of my part.
I feellike it would be a sort of duty to attempt fixing what the government can't. It's not only the governement's responsibility, but everyone who is living on Earth.
Well even if the government isn't doing there part me stepping up to what I can do won't amount to much. There's only so much one person can contribute. I don't have the power to change the environment that our government has.
I think I would increase my environmental efforts because it is important for us to sustain the planet we live on. The earth is not the first thing on the governments mind.
I would increase my efforts a little, because at least it's a small step in the right direction. However, true environmental change comes from big changes like what the government can do.
I would try to increase my environmental efforts a little. Every bit helps. I want to do my part to safe energy and reduce pollution in the environment. Small steps can mean a lot.
I am already fairly persistant about my efforts, but there is room for improvement on my part
I would increase my efforts a little because I would figure that someone needs to take a stand for the environment if no one else (i.e. the government) is going to. I believe global warming and other environmental problems do exist and that we can easilymake it better by making small, simple daily decisions.
i think the government should have educational programs teaching people about the environmental issues we have right now and what they could do to help the environment
I would try to set a good example for the immediate people around me to try and offset the shortcomings of the government.
I think we should all increase our environmental efforts at least a little bit.
If the government fell short then I would feel like I would need to make up for their shortcomings by increasing my efforts.
I believe it is each persons responsibility to protect and save the environment not just the government.
My actions have very little to do with what the government is doing. If they increased or decreased, my personal actions wouldnt change
What I choose to do on my own to help environmental situations have nothing to do with what the government chooses to do or not do in regard to the same situations.
I already drive a hybrid car, use eco friendly house products, keep the thermostat low, turn off lights when I am not in a room. So I feel like I am already doing a pretty good job. The government would not impact me too much - I would just want them to because it is important to the planet
Most likely I would try to purchase environmentally friendly products and switch over to solar energy because it would be overall cheaper and better to do something than nothing at all.
The government has such a massive influence, it wouldn't matter if I tried to pick up the slack. We're operating on different wavelengths. I'll continue to try my best no matter what the government decides.
Someone has to be able to do something. If the government falls short, we still need to take action and help the environment. Just because one fails, doesn't mean we all have to fail. We all can do our part to help Earth.
I do not do anything right now to lessen my effects no the enviroment so I could start to do a little.
I believe that my environmental efforts are my moral responsibility. I do not believe that they alone have any noticeable effect on the world. So the government's actions do not affect my own in this regard.
I don't believe saving the earth is a choice individual consumers will need to make--it is a state matter.
I already do as much as I could. I ride my bike, I am vegan, I buy biodegradable products and clean with vinegar and baking soda. I don't use disposable items. I compost and garden. I don't know what else I could do really.
I am already doing about as much as I can. I cant control the government and there are many people actively fighting them against spending moenyy on the environment.
I do not believe the dire predictions about the environment, and I do not think it is worth my time to make any effort either way.
I should be working on the environment no matter what others are doing
I am not the government, while there are many things that I believe that they could and should do they're not doing. So, in the meantime it's up to me to do what I can.
I will do my part regardless of what the government plans on doing. But the fact that we vote these people into office, they should be doing their part as well.
well the more the average person increases their environmental efforts the more we can make up for the government sucking at it.
I think that the value of my efforts is independent of what the government does. Their action or inaction has no particular bearing on my decision making, as we operate at vastly different scales.
I would try to do more myself in order to start a grass roots environmental movement and change policies and the american philosophy regarding the environment.
I would increase my efforts because if the government isn't doing it's job, I can show them that I care more than they do and make an example of how little effort it takes.
I would recycle more, and I would alter my home to be more energy efficient. I would make sure to avoid using wasteful products or engage in wasteful activities. I would take public transportation more often as well.
Because I would try to pick up the slack, even if it's just a little.
I realize the human race is plaguing the Earth with pollution and harming the environment, and if we don't change our ways, we may not have much longer, as a species, to survive on this planet.
If the government falls short of its environmental responsibility, it will be up to people like me to pick up the slack in protecting the environment. In other words, I would continue to recycle as I do now, but I would take additional efforts of avoidingusing my car when I can, teaching others how to grow food themselves (I currently have a home garden), and ultimately set an example of how to improve our environment.
Well if the governmental actions are falling short it is important for us to increase our efforts in order to help the environment.
I would want to do more environmentally friendly things since the government is failing to do it
To try and balance things out, not matter how infinitesimally.
I would increase my environmental efforts because if the government fall short, our earth will be a higher risk for global warming and I do not want that.
I believe we as citizens need to make up for any short comings, be that at a government level or a private or public level. We need to take actions ourselves, as best we can.
Why should I bother reducing my living standards if my government can't make any positive changes?
because if everyone tried to do it it would have a substantial impact
I would increase my efforts because if the citizens make more of an effort, the governments lack of effort might be mitigated a little.
Will remain the case as it is, because does not have a great interest in the environment.
If no on else is going to do it, I will. For my kids, their kids, and everyone else's kids. Here kids, take on this world that we have destroyed for you. That's how it's going. Even the baby boom generation falls into the newer generations desire to have hat they want, when they want it, and how they want it. Immediate gratification will be our downfall.
If the government doesn't care I will still care so I will not lower my standards but I also can not pick up any slack since the government has so much power and there is only so much I can do.
Well every little bit helps at lest a little bit. You can't make that much of an impact personally, but you can try your best.
The government appears to do its own thing. I am highly distrustful of the government and individual political parties.
Every little bit can help, if I start to be a bit more environmentally friendly that may rub off on other people and so on and so forth.
If everyone changed their efforts a lot it would make up for the short falls of the government
I don't want the government involved any more imposing higher taxes on factories costing jobs to go overseas.
the responsibility rests with the individuals of this country, and we cannot rely on the government to solve problems or make more laws.
I think that its important that although our government falls short that we as individuals do our part to help the environment. Every bit helps.
Im not too much into all the environmental responsibility, or would i be willing to go any further than my current actions. I do what i can to be environmentally responsible, so i am doing my part.
Because we are completely unrelated and ones decision would not affect the others one bit. If I want to do something good for the environment it will have nothing to with what any countries current environmental policy.
I think I'll take accountability measures from my house as it is the minimum that I can do to protect the environment
I wouldn't make any change. It is up to the government to make changes because that will make a bigger impact than anything I could do.
I don't think it's my job to make up for any government failings.
If the government is falling short, the citizens of this country need to let the government know this is an issue we really care about. Actions speak louder than words.
My individual actions have no impact on worldwide or governemental environmental actions.
I would want my personal life to be unaffected by environmental changes
To me I try to keep my electric bill low because I don't have much money, I have bigger concerns than environmental issues that I believe are exaggerated so i don't see me changing unless it's in my best interest financially.
IT will help save the planet for my kids to enjoy.
I would do my best to increase it. I recycle right now at home and at work.
I feel that they need to keep it the same because the economy is bad off and it cost a lot of money to change.
The government has a much bigger impact than me. I can't make up their shortcomings.
I already do everything I can to help the environment, so there is no way I could really increase those efforts.
I have just as much of a personal obligation to be environmentally friendly as the government has. Clearly, increasing my efforts when the government falls short is not going to have a huge effect, but it will help, and I might influence others to be moreresponsible also.