Fresh Sustainability Insights That Move Decisions

Although nearly 8 in 10 people in the Great Lakes region grasp environmental facts — like plastic’s limited recyclability and methane’s potency — over half still feel unsure about how to put that knowledge into eco-friendly daily choices. The gap is especially wide among younger generations, underlining the urgent need for clearer guidance, better education, and more trustworthy sustainability solutions.

A survey of Great Lakes residents reveals that while environmental concern is high, people adopt eco-friendly behaviors only when they’re convenient—and want support from businesses and institutions to close the gap.

More than half of American grocery shoppers now say they’re “extremely” or “very” concerned about GMO food safety (54%), while 86% consider the environment in their purchase—and over half of those have begun avoiding GMO ingredients. Awareness of the Non-GMO Project Verified label has become especially powerful, influencing most who know it.

Packaging now does more than protect products—it shapes perceptions, drives purchase decisions, and can be the deciding factor for eco-minded consumers. Brands that invest in functional, sustainable, transparent packaging are building trust and standing out in competitive markets.

A resounding majority—71%—of survey respondents believe schools should formally teach environmental topics, with nearly half of that group (31%) expressing strong agreement. Meanwhile, only one in ten disagrees—just 3% strongly. These figures show how firmly environmental education has taken hold as a widely supported value.