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On average, people need to spend 67 minutes outside each day in order to feel refreshed, according to new research. A poll of 2,000 U.S adults revealed that over half of Americans (57%) are also craving time spent outdoors more now than ever before. Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of RVshare, results found that those who spent time outside said it relaxes them (68%), puts them in a better mood (66%) and helps them clear their head (64%). On the other hand, spending more time inside than preferred can lead to feelings of depression (38%), anxiousness (33%) and loneliness (32%), according to the research.

Confidence, generosity and productivity: A new study shows the various ways water intake affects work quality, relationships and mood. According to a recent poll of 2,000 Americans, commissioned by Brio Water for National Drinking Water Week, and conducted by Talker Research, people who are hydrated on a regular basis are more receptive to constructive criticism compared to those who are dehydrated (33% vs. 22%). Coincidentally (or not) hydrated Americans are also more likely to help a co-worker in need (45%) than dehydrated Americans (40%). The survey split respondents between those who are properly hydrated on a regular day (68%), those who said they’re typically dehydrated (10%) and those who placed themselves somewhere in the middle (22%).

Three in ten Americans have had zero days completely pain-free in the last month and 28% feel some kind of pain every single day, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 Americans revealed that nearly half of respondents suffer from chronic pain – whether diagnosed or not. Over a quarter (26%) of respondents who deal with chronic pain have dealt with it for 13 years or longer. Conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Ancestral Supplements, the survey showed that the average American started to feel aches and pains at 37 years old. Areas of the body where pain is most commonly felt are in the legs (39%), neck (29%) and shoulders (29%). Other respondents noted that their back was the biggest pain point. On average, on days when respondents wake up in pain it takes them seven minutes longer to get ready in the morning. For answers to their chronic pain questions, respondents said they consult their doctors (75%) followed by nearly half (48%) who turn to Google for help. When asked what frustrates them the most about living with chronic pain, not feeling 100% themselves (43%) followed by being more tired than they used to be (30%), having constant sleep disruption (28%) and having to stop certain activities they love (27%) topped the list. "Living with chronic pain isn't just about the physical discomfort; it's about all of the disruptions and inconveniences it brings to our daily lives,” said Chris Ricci, Chief Executive Officer at Ancestral Supplements. “From struggling through morning routines to missing out on activities we love, such as spending time with family, and even compromising our careers at work which affects our livelihood, the impact is felt in all aspects of our lives. Our research sheds light on these struggles, emphasizing the urgent need for effective solutions." To never experience aches or pains again, Americans are willing to give up some things they love. A quarter (25%) would give up coffee and others are willing to part ways with social media (22%) and even cheese (18%) in order to feel better. The survey revealed that Americans are willing to pay an average of $1,800 just to get answers on why they are feeling this way. To ease daily ailments, tactics have been using heating pads (39%), starting to exercise (33%) and taking supplements other than vitamins (25%), according to the research. Respondents expressed interest in trying the following supplements to help ease their pains: iron, (19%), fish oil (17%), turmeric (16%) and colostrum (10%). In the end, 80% of those respondents with chronic pain are still looking for a fix to the problem and 78% of them are more likely to try natural solutions before electing for surgery. "Prevention is key to maintaining overall well-being. As our bodies age, vitality becomes increasingly important,” said Ricci. “Fortunately, there are natural and simple solutions available to support our bodies in this journey. By taking proactive measures, we can mitigate the effects of daily aches and pains, promoting a healthier, happier life. As the saying goes, "Health is wealth," and we embrace that." Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans was commissioned by Ancestral Supplements between April 12 and April 17, 2024. It was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Over half of parents admit their child is more well-read than them, according to a recent study. And kids agree: Six in 10 kids (59%) confirmed that they do, in fact, have better taste in books than their parents. A recent poll of 2,000 American parents and their kids, aged 8-17, investigated sentiments around reading habits, popular and classic books, summer reading assignments and why parents weren’t too shy to divulge their kids’ impressive reading accomplishments when admitting their child is more well-read (51%). According to the survey, parents conceded that their children are better readers because their child reads more books than they do (70%) and their child remembers more of what they read (27%). A fifth even admitted their child reads higher quality books than they do. Possibly because of this, nearly eight in 10 parents (78%) said their child inspires them to read more. Commissioned by ThriftBooks for Children’s Book Week and conducted by OnePoll, the study found that exactly half of parents surveyed said they have no clue which authors are prevalent in their child’s literature class even though 53% of kids have summer reading assignments this year. On average, kids have been assigned to read three books this summer and are reading along with a challenge at their local library (35%), their class at school (31%) or with a book club (13%). So which type of books spark the most interest in kids? They said action and adventure books (54%), mystery (49%), fantasy (48%) and spooky/horror books (40%). The majority of kids reported they usually read physical books, with 55% choosing hardcover and 51% choosing paperback as their preferred formats. And only 25% will usually read digitally, via audiobooks or e-books. When asked what books they’re most excited to read in the future, kids’ top-ranked book was “Charlotte’s Web” (27%), out of a list of commonly assigned books. This coincides perfectly with parents being most excited for their children to read “Charlotte’s Web” (34%) along with “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (32%) and “To Kill a Mockingbird” (29%) in the future. The most commonly assigned books this year for kids aged 8-13 include a book from the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series (36%), a book from the “Harry Potter” series (30%), “Charlotte’s Web” (28%), a book from the “A Series of Unfortunate Events” series (25%), a book from “The Chronicles of Narnia” series (22%) and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (21%). Kids aged 14-17 are reading “Romeo and Juliet” (32%), “The Diary of Anne Frank” (29%), a book from “The Chronicles of Narnia” series (26%), a book from the “Harry Potter” series (26%), To Kill a Mockingbird (25%), “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (24%) and a book from ‘The Hunger Games” series (20%) this summer. “It’s great to see that the majority of kids plan to complete a summer reading challenge this year and also that kids are reading a fun mix of classic and contemporary books,” said Barbara Hagen, vice president of sales and marketing at ThriftBooks. Not only is reading important for children’s learning and development, but it also impacts parent/child bonding and relationships.” The study found that, of all figures in kids' lives, they see their moms (63%) and dads (20%) reading the most. And 82% of parents whose child has a reading assignment this summer said they plan to read along with their child on their reading adventure. The majority of parents from both age groups plan to discuss books together (57%) and provide a comfortable and quiet reading environment (51%) as a means of motivating and supporting their child to complete their summer reading assignment. Although 11% unabashedly plan to pay their children to complete their reading. This year, six in 10 parents (61%) also reported they plan to introduce their child to their favorite book. And not only are parents excited for their kids to grow in knowledge (48%) and skill (48%) as their reading progresses, four in 10 parents can’t wait for their child to learn more about different perspectives (42%) and to become more cultured and curious about the world (41%). “For parents with kids doing summer reading, 31% said they’re bonding more with their child because they’re reading together. So not only is reading important intellectually, it’s so important emotionally too,” said Hagen. If you’re not planning to already, set a challenge this summer to read with your child and watch the growth happen.” Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American parents with an 8-17-year-old child was commissioned by ThriftBooks between Apr. 4 and Apr. 10, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Thirty percent of Americans admit to buying healthy foods just because they’re trendy, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 adults looked at their food purchasing practices and found that 65% rate their grocery shopping habits as at least somewhat healthy. When stacked up against other priorities, however, healthiness (18%) came fourth, surpassed by cost (64%), quality (36%) and personal and household preferences (19%). Conducted by Talker Research for Zeal Creamery, the survey found that still, 82% opt for products that use “healthwashing” terms — labels intended to convey a product’s health benefits — like “multigrain” (33%), “sugar-free” (30%) and “organic” (27%).

More than a third of Americans have never felt more uninspired at work than they do now (38%), according to new research. A survey of 2,000 employed Americans found that this lull is translating to their productivity, too, as 38% of respondents are only feeling “somewhat” productive at work. Four in 10 suburban survey-takers are also experiencing this productivity slump (41%). Results showed that their work setting plays a role in their productivity and found many are looking to refresh their work routines with breaks and jump-start productivity with community and exercise. Conducted by Talker Research for Life Time Work, the coworking company for Life Time, the survey found that 37% of those who have a work routine consider it to be stale, especially those who work fully in person (39%). According to respondents, surroundings matter. Sixty-two percent said that the people and community around their workspace have a positive effect on their productivity. “Today more than ever, both employers and employees are acknowledging the link between physical activity and mental acuity, and the ability to perform at our best,” said Brooks Hagen, senior director of Life Time Work. “As a result, we’re seeing demand from both team leaders as well as team members for workspaces that are near health and athletic facilities to prioritize being able to incorporate more into their regular wellness routine.” When they’re in a rut during the workday, respondents said their mood can be improved by getting active and going for a walk (33%) or exercising (19%). However, a fifth of employed Americans admit they exercise once a week or less (17%). Nearly two-thirds of all respondents said that being active would make a difference in their ability to be more productive at work (64%). “The idea of an activity-based workspace design is more relevant than even five years ago,” Hagen said. “Working in a space that actively encourages physical movement throughout the day is healthier and allows for occupants to do their best work. Being part of a community at work also increases satisfaction levels and that passes through to accountability — knowing the people you work out with means you’re more likely to show up.” But how much can respondents veer from being tied to their work? Thirty-nine percent “always” or “often” struggle to find time for themselves during the workday. To maximize employee productivity, those surveyed said that offices should have unique areas available like a quiet room (36%) and gym or fitness space (23%). Similarly, 70% said the environment they work in affects the quality of their work-related ideas and have had a good work-related idea in non-work areas like their bed (33%), a coffee shop (21%) or the gym (14%). If they had the chance to take more breaks, those surveyed would especially want snack breaks (42%) or mental breaks (35%). One in 10 respondents want more exercise breaks, with hybrid employees being the most likely to want them. Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 employed Americans was commissioned by Life Time between March 1 and March 6, 2024. It was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Forty-three percent of Americans say one of the best home compliments they can receive is “your home smells so good!” according to new research. A survey of 2,000 adults, conducted by OnePoll for home fragrance brand, Air Wick, looked at how home fragrances play a role in cleaning routines and found that 55% say that the way a home smells is even more important than how it looks. Some of the other home-related compliments people would love to receive include being told their space has a good vibe (37%) and that it looks clean (52%). For many, the work of the cleaning process is worth it, as nearly nine in 10 respondents said that nothing feels as good as relaxing in a clean home (88%).

From marshmallows to meatballs, beef jerky and hotdogs — a new study has found how Americans are expressing their creative taste buds when it comes to their salads, along with what the ‘perfect’ salad looks like. A poll of 2,000 U.S. adults, commissioned by BrightFarms and conducted by OnePoll in celebration of National Salad Month, revealed the strangest salad toppings people have used before. Answers included banana, peanut butter, peppermint and popcorn. Aside from the occasional topping oddity, most people gravitate towards the classics for their salads. The best toppings were found to be cheese (42%), tomatoes (37%), bacon (30%), croutons (28%) and cucumbers (27%). To add, the best salad dressings are ranch (50%), Italian (30%) and Caesar (25%).

Your entire lifestyle can likely be summed up by what you drink in the morning, according to a new study. In a poll of 2,000 US adults, split between 1,000 coffee drinkers and 1,000 matcha drinkers, a number of personality and lifestyle differences — and a few surprising similarities — were observed based on their preferred a.m. beverage. If you are a matcha drinker, you are more likely to wake up early (54%), prefer outdoor activities (26%), be an ambivert, or a balance of introvert and extrovert (46%), and describe yourself as “adventurous” (29%). Commissioned by Califia Farms and conducted by OnePoll, the study found, by comparison, more than half of coffee drinkers prefer to sleep in later (53%), prefer indoor activities like watching movies (38%), and are more likely to be an introvert (42%).

Is the “hush workcation” the new vacation trend? Nearly a third of Americans admitted they’ve worked remotely on vacation without telling their bosses. The poll of 2,000 employed Americans — split evenly among travelers and hotel workers — found 52% of them would use their vacation travels as a chance to work remotely and 29% have done so without notifying anyone at work. Close to four in 10 (39%) explained it was simply because they like what they do for work. Meanwhile, others would work on vacation to hit an important work deadline that overlapped with their vacation time (28%) or to save on their PTO (26%). And for many others, traveling for work opens the door to other opportunities: nearly half (48%) have extended their work trips into vacations at their destination. Commissioned by Mews, a hospitality cloud system, and conducted by OnePoll, the study reveals that four in five working Americans would be willing to work remotely from their hotel. While working from the comfort of one’s hotel room is the top preference (69%), a quarter of respondents said they would prefer to work remotely from the hotel pool or spa, and nearly 25% chose a hotel bar or restaurant. Three in four travelers (74%) and hotel workers (75%) agree that Americans are prioritizing travel more this year than last. Seventy-nine percent are planning all their travels for the year “as soon as they possibly can” and estimate they’ll take a total of 11 trips in 2024. Among the trips planned are three vacations and three family trips; alongside three work trips and two “bleisure” trips — combining business with leisure — for employed respondents. Hotel workers are prepared — they claimed guests traveling for work or bleisure are the easiest to cater to (83% and 76%, respectively). They anticipate the guests will tip more (39%), extend their stay more frequently (38%), and use hotel amenities more (31%) in the year ahead. Nearly a third of guests stated a perfect hotel would have keyless room entry (34%) and in-room smart home devices (43%) and nearly one-fourth would prefer mobile room entry (27%) and digital ordering (24%). The study also found that hotel workers anticipate guests to use technology more in 2024, with a fourth expecting them to check in more frequently via a hotel website, app or digital kiosk compared to previous years. More than 40% of travelers stated they prefer to check in via a hotel’s website, app or digital kiosk, and nearly 80% said they would be willing to stay at a hotel that had a completely automated front desk or self-service kiosk. A third (36%) admitted they have turned to AI for recommendations while booking travel. “Technology enables our teams to gather robust guest information before they arrive at one of our locations, which empowers our customer service teams to create unique 'excite and delight' opportunities for guests, resulting in powerful moments and lifelong memories for our guests,” commented Ryan Krukar, VP sales & marketing at Gravity Haus. “Identifying and understanding a guest's needs before they arrive at one of our locations and going above and beyond for guests is key in delivering authentic hospitality and provides additional value and comfort while simultaneously immersing a guest in the unique culture of the destination they are visiting.” The study also found that a large majority of hotel staff surveyed (85%) saw locals come to their hotel to use the amenities, often to get access to the hotel pool (47%), restaurants (43%), lobby (39%), gym (31%) and parking (26%). Local amenities appear to go both ways — 79% of hotel workers said guests “always” or “often” ask for local recommendations. “The most innovative hotels are moving away from a room-centric vision of hospitality into one which embraces experiences, communities and lifetime brand relationships,” said Richard Valtr, founder of Mews. “They offer different spaces and amenities, from coworking to yoga classes and bike rental, paying close attention to what each guest needs.” “We love it when hotels use technology to solve their operational pain points and create immersive and truly remarkable guest experiences.” ACCORDING TO TRAVELERS IN THE US, WHAT SHOULD “PERFECT” HOTELS OFFER? 1. Fast Wi-Fi - 70% 2. A king-sized bed - 55% 3. Having a smart TV - 54% 4. Being near attractions - 48% 5. An in-building restaurant - 47% 6. A fitness center/gym - 38% 7. Online or self-service check-in/check-out - 37% 8. A personal hot tub - 37% 9. A personal bathtub - 37% 10. A spa - 36% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 1,000 American travelers and 1,000 American hotel workers was commissioned by Mews Systems, Inc. between January 30 and February 8, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

One in four employed Americans worry that their job is in danger, according to new research, conducted by OnePoll for CSU Global. A survey of 2,000 employed adults looked at how they see themselves in their current role and found that 25% are worried about losing their jobs in the next year. These concerns stem from distress about the job market (25%) and knowing that they work in an unstable business or industry (22%). Keeping up with their profession is also a challenge for respondents: 32% are worried that they’re falling behind or lacking the skills they need to be successful.

It takes up to two years to get your workspace just perfect, according to a new study. Ahead of Get Organized Day on April 26, the poll of 2,000 U.S. office workers, commissioned by Mind Reader and conducted by OnePoll, found only 40% are 'very satisfied' with their current workspace, be it from home or from an office. Those who were unsatisfied blamed the lack of space (48%), back pain from their chair (34%), and their area being too messy (32%). Overall, 79% of people take pride in their workspace setup and 86% see their workspace have a “huge” or “moderate” impact on their happiness.

Over half of IT workers feel overwhelmed by the amount of tasks they have to do in a day. The international poll of 1,000 U.S.-based, 250 U.K.-based and 250 India-based IT decision-makers found 58% overall feel overwhelmed — 78% in India, 60% in the U.K. and 53% in the U.S. On any given day, the average IT worker only has the capacity to support 85% of the tickets they receive. And while roughly half are easy for IT teams (50% in the US, 48% in the UK, and 46% in India), nearly one-third (29%) of tickets are considered difficult to resolve. IT workers also reported they are frequently responsible for a range of additional tasks within their organization, which may contribute to feeling overwhelmed. Respondents said they are responsible for addressing cybersecurity issues (39%), internal security issues (26%), and lack of budget (25%). But, according to the study commissioned by GoTo and conducted by OnePoll, AI (artificial intelligence) is increasingly coming to the rescue of IT teams and is likely to continue evolving the way they work in the years ahead. A large majority of respondents (92%) would consider the use of AI beneficial for work and 94% say they would be willing to delegate simple tasks to AI. Seventy-three percent would also be willing to delegate even complex tasks to the technology. On average, IT workers believe delegating tasks to AI could save them more than two hours of work during any given workday. Four in five (83%) believe it would be easy for them to offload their simpler tasks to AI. In fact, the potential of AI has caused 93% of IT leaders to consider upskilling in order to leverage the technology in their day-to-day tasks. The most commonly reported tasks IT teams are looking to offload to AI included monitoring network performance (44%), basic device troubleshooting (42%) and remediating basic problems (40%). “Despite many feeling overwhelmed, we’re excited to see how IT decision-makers are seeing AI as a beneficial tool that they can use to make IT easier to manage,” said Olga Lagunova, Chief Product and Technology Officer at GoTo. “Many people see AI as this scary entity, capable of taking their jobs. But what this data tells us is that there are many people in this industry across the globe who see it as a way to make their own workloads easier.” The survey also revealed 73% of IT teams already use AI, and 61% of those who don’t are planning to adopt it in their organization within the next 12 months. Sixty-five percent said their team is directly responsible in deciding if their organization will use AI in the future. In adopting AI, many shared how they believe their roles will be affected over the next 10 years: having more time to focus on higher-priority tasks (48%), more efficient ticketing workflows (43%), and additional IT team responsibilities (41%). If AI were able to manage certain tasks on their behalf, respondents would spend more time working on improving their organization’s IT infrastructure (55%), focus on more difficult tickets (46%), or improve their organization’s security (42%). In the US, 44% would aim to improve their organization’s security. Meanwhile, many in India (48%) and in the UK (36%) would take the time to focus on their professional development. “There’s no denying that there’s still a lot for us to learn about AI and what it can do,” continued Olga Lagunova. “What’s important to keep in mind is how people in the IT industry are keeping themselves properly up to date and informed on the best practices of AI in their workflow. And we believe that it’s going well.” Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 1,000 U.S.-based IT decision makers, 250 U.K.-based IT decision makers, and 250 India-based IT decision makers was commissioned by GoTo between Feb. 28 and Mar. 8, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

One in five Americans are “always” thinking about planning their next vacation while on vacation, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 adults who travel found that one in five long to be on vacation again the day they get back (21%) and another 27% said this feeling sets in within a week. The average person spent 11 days on vacation in 2023. Looking ahead, the average American wants to spend 15 days on vacation in 2024 and, if they had unlimited PTO, they’d want to spend 18 days. Although just a quarter of respondents said they travel more than the average person they know, 46% want to be known as a frequent traveler by others in their life. Conducted by OnePoll for timeshare brand Club Wyndham, the survey found that 89% of those surveyed said vacation reduces their stress levels, even temporarily, with 84% saying a vacation can relax them and decrease stress for up to two whole weeks upon returning. A majority of respondents said that they consider vacations as a form of self-care (86%). Similarly, eight in 10 would be interested in a “do-nothing” vacation where they sit by the pool, beach or inside reading a book or relaxing. “According to the survey, more than 70% of potential travelers count down to their vacation, and a majority long to travel again just one week after returning home,” said Annie Roberts, senior vice president of club and owner services at Club Wyndham. “With today’s travelers often putting a great deal of time and thought into the trip planning and dreaming stages to ensure a vacation that is well tailored to their interests, it’s not surprising that they want to experience the ‘vacation glow’ again and again.” To make sure they get what they’re looking for, those surveyed go to great lengths to plan their vacations. Respondents want to steer clear of discomforts like sharing a bathroom with others (27%) and want to avoid situations where they would have difficulty sleeping (27%). Nearly a quarter of travelers said sharing a hotel room isn’t ideal and the same percentage said small hotel rooms were a dealbreaker (23%, each). Most Americans surveyed said that when on vacation with others, they prefer having their own or extra space to spread out (79%), including 82% of parents. If they had their dream hotel room, respondents would make sure there was Wi-Fi (55%), a private balcony or outdoor area (41%), a large bedroom (37%), a large bathroom (33%) and a full-sized kitchen or kitchenette (32%). “With nearly a third of respondents (29%) spending most or all their time at their hotel or resort while on vacation, it’s clear that travelers deserve more than just a place to sleep,” said Roberts. “People want to ensure their vacation decisions bring them quality, consistency and peace of mind for their entire experience. Accommodations that actually enhance your vacation, like separate bedrooms, bathrooms and full-sized kitchens, offer travelers a special luxury — the chance to gather comfortably to enjoy shared moments that become lifelong memories.” Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans who travel was commissioned by Club Wyndham between March 22 and March 28, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

A new survey found that one in six Americans admit they’re not well-informed about the ingredients in their commonly used products, with Gen Z feeling the least informed (19%). The poll of 2,000 Americans, which looked at their efforts to be sustainable in their everyday lives, found that it’s harder than it may seem. More than half of respondents believe it’s “near impossible” to live guilt-free in their homes when it comes to sustainability (57%). Forty percent of those surveyed consider their lifestyle “somewhat environmentally friendly,” while 28% said they are living a “very environmentally friendly” lifestyle, especially millennials (42%). Part of living sustainably, according to 73% of those surveyed, is the importance of knowing the ingredients in the products you use often. Millennials (79%) and baby boomers (65%) are particularly keen on understanding what’s in their products, and thus in their homes. Yet, the survey conducted by OnePoll for Seventh Generation found that just 14% of all Americans surveyed said that sustainability is a priority when shopping around. Of all the different items that they use to care for their home, respondents narrowed the absolute necessities down to trash bags (70%), dish soap (67%) and laundry detergent (65%). However, the survey found that a quarter of Americans haven’t considered the impact these products have on the environment. Respondents weren’t aware that common household items may contain fossil fuels like toothpaste (39%), which contains poloxamer 407 a petroleum derivative that helps make oil-based products dissolve easier in water. Thirty-five percent of those surveyed didn’t know plastic dishes were composed of refined natural gas and oil (35%), and 26% weren’t aware that laundry detergent contains chemicals created from petroleum. They were most surprised to discover toothpaste (51%) contains these materials, while another 36% were surprised to learn this about laundry detergent and 32% didn't expect candles to contain these kinds of traces. “Many consumers don’t realize that many ingredients in conventional household products are petroleum-based,” said Alison Whritenour, CEO of Seventh Generation. “Green chemistry has come so far and it’s completely possible to make plant-based products that will clean like conventional products. Choosing plant-based products is one simple way people can lessen their impact on the environment without sacrifice.” Nearly half of Americans said that it shouldn’t fall on consumers to worry about the safety of the products they purchase (48%). In fact, nearly four times the number of respondents believe that brands are more responsible for product safety as opposed to consumers (45% vs. 12%). Similarly, 42% believe that consumers should be able to expect environmental friendliness when making purchases without having to do extensive research. While 45% aren’t sure that it’s possible to avoid fossil fuels completely within their home, two in three want to try to live more sustainably. To get there, six in 10 want to eliminate unsustainable products from their home. Fifty-five percent of respondents would switch the products they use to live a 100% environmentally friendly lifestyle, with 45% expressing their willingness to pay more for sustainable products. Some would go to further extremes, saying they would only watch TV using one streaming platform (23%) or only drink water forever (18%) if it meant they’d be living more sustainably. The top product Americans would have a hard time giving up, even knowing it can be unsustainable, is laundry detergent (19%). “Americans don’t have to give up their favorite common household products to live more sustainably,” said Whritenour. “There are plant-based brands that are labeled USDA Certified Biobased with a wide variety of household cleaning and personal care products that provide effective alternatives for consumers to use every day.” Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Seventh Generation between August 16 and August 21, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

According to new research, cat owners still have a lot to learn when it comes to knowing all about their cat counterparts. Even though nearly all cat owners (92%) believe they’re knowledgeable about cats, as part of a recent poll of 2,000 American cat owners, most don’t know basic facts about their feline — or its health needs. Cat parents, on average, gave themselves a four out of five rating for how well they take care of their cat and reported they believe their cats would also give them a four out of five for being superb owners. Yet, within the survey, cat parents confessed that, on average, they forget to fill up their cat’s water twice per week and even forget to feed their cats three times per week. Commissioned by PetSafe and conducted by OnePoll, the study found that only 17% of respondents knew that cats have 18 toes and almost half (46%) didn’t know that many cats are lactose intolerant — debunking the popular image of a cat enjoying a bowl of milk. The majority (56%) were unaware that cats purr due to both pleasure and distress and only a fifth (20%) knew that cats share 96% of their DNA with tigers. The survey also found knowledge gaps on the more serious topic of hydration: More than four in ten (47%) didn’t know that cats tend to drink more water if it’s running and not still or stagnant. And more than three-quarters (86%) also reported that their cats are sufficiently hydrated on a regular basis, yet three in four (75%) didn’t know that cats should drink roughly one ounce of water for every pound they weigh, per day. The poll found that although six in ten cat parents (59%) admit they believe it’s healthier for their felines to drink filtered water versus unfiltered water, only 34% follow through and give their cats filtered water on the regular. “By how well cat parents score themselves in terms of pet parenthood, it is obvious how much owners love their furry friends — there’s no doubt about it. The research found that seven in ten (69%) even said they can tell what their cat is thinking, even if they can’t communicate using words. But it also revealed some room for improvement in knowing about cats, so we can better take care of these furry companions,” said Janna Chollet, senior marketing manager at PetSafe. “With warmer months approaching, it’s important that cat parents have all the information they need to care for their cats, especially when it comes to hydration.” Four out of five cat owners (79%) said their cats drink most of their water out of a bowl, 23% reported their cats mostly use a fountain to stay hydrated, and for cat parents who chose a bowl over a fountain, reasons for doing so included that it’s what their cat is used to (47%), it’s easy to fill up (44%) and it’s easy to clean (37%). And even though 47% of all surveyed didn’t know that cats tend to drink more water if it’s running, almost seven in ten cat parents whose cats use a water bowl (68%) said they’d be likely to choose a fountain as their cat’s water source in the future if it could be proven that cats drink more water if it’s running and not still or stagnant. For parents that prefer for their cats to drink out of a fountain, the top reasons for doing so was that their cat is attracted to running water (52%), the water is cleaner, fresher and healthier for their cat (43%) and they have more peace of mind knowing their cat has clean water (40%). Cat parents who opt for a fountain said the most frustrating parts about cat fountains are being concerned it will stop working while they’re out of the house (31%), the amount of cleaning required (29%), expensive replacement filters (27%) and scrubbing mold out of the fountain (27%). “Because cats add so much love to our lives and are mostly dependent on us, as owners, to meet their needs, we need to do our very best to take excellent care of them,” said Chollet. “Staying hydrated is the foundation of health so we encourage cat parents to choose a hydration solution that provides enough fresh, clean, running water for their furry friend since we know that cats drink more water if it’s moving. Hydrated cats are happy cats.” Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American cat owners was commissioned by PetSafe between Mar. 22 and Mar. 30, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

A new survey, commissioned by Elmer’s and conducted by OnePoll, has found the average parent has to come up with four new activities daily to keep their children entertained. The poll of 2,000 U.S. parents found four in 10 parents always or often struggle to find ideas to keep their kids entertained. And while most parents believe their children have active imaginations, the average kid gets bored in just 33 minutes and 47% of children quickly become bored with what they’re doing. A third (35%) of parents said they feel stressed about finding new ideas for their kids as a result.

Almost one in 10 (7%) pet parents have left a job to find a new one in order to better care for their pet. That’s according to a new survey of 1,800 employed pet owners, which found that another 24% have considered doing so, but have not yet taken the leap. In fact, 60% agree they would consider leaving their job if it conflicted with their ability to care for their pet. According to the survey by OnePoll on behalf of Vetster, two in five (41%) would even be willing to take a pay cut in order to work in a pet-friendly environment.

According to research, grocery shopping on an empty stomach will cost you an extra $26 per trip, on average. A recent poll of 2,000 general population Americans found that the average person makes two grocery runs per week and budgets $162 for their haul. The study found that more than three-quarters of respondents (76%) agreed they’re more likely to spend more than they’d like if they grocery shop while hungry and six in ten said they’re also likely to leave their health goals at the door. A majority (62%) said they’ll typically spend up to 20% more than what they’ve set aside for groceries for the week. Only a fifth (20%) reported that they never overspend what they’ve budgeted for groceries. Conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Dole Food Company in honor of National Banana Day on Apr. 17, the study took a comprehensive look at Americans' grocery and produce shopping habits, food needs and priorities when it comes to nourishing themselves. Respondents reported they need to visit two stores during a typical week to find all the items they need and their standard grocery run takes 39 minutes. The average person is shopping to feed two while 30% are shopping to feed just themselves. According to respondents, the best time to shop to avoid rushes and crowds is 8:00 a.m. - 9:59 a.m., the worst time is 4:00 p.m. - 5:59 p.m. and the most popular time is 10:00 a.m - 11:59 a.m. Over half of Americans (56%) will typically shop with a grocery list and 79% of those who do said they’re less likely to overspend while shopping. The study also found that three in four (74%) said their grocery hauls are similar to the items their parents would purchase during their childhood. And 41% have preferred grocery and item brands and said they’re willing to visit an additional store to purchase them if their usual store doesn’t have them in stock. In fact, according to the research, specific brands can be very important to consumers: 39% of Americans reported that they’re willing to pay more for brands that make their values known when it comes to transparency for sourcing, supply chain and environmental sustainability. And, on average, respondents would be willing to pay nearly a tenth more (9%), on top of what they’re already spending, if it ensured they could have the highest quality produce and nutrient-dense healthy foods. The most common “must-haves” for every grocery haul are bread (54%), eggs (52%), meat (51%), milk or milk substitutes (50%), coffee (35%) and bananas (35%). But despite bananas’ popularity, 60% of respondents were unaware that bananas are the most-purchased grocery item in the U.S. “A high-quality food shouldn’t break the bank. It should nourish us, be ethically sourced and should be readily available to consumers,” said William Goldfield, director of corporate communications for Dole. “We believe health should be our highest priority and should be reflected in the way people shop. For our 125th anniversary of growing and marketing bananas, we commissioned this study to look at how Americans spend on what’s important to them when it comes to food and their hierarchy of food needs.” The survey found that Americans rank food variety (35%), quick and convenient foods (34%), protein-rich foods (32%) and inexpensive foods (30%) as their highest food priorities. The factors that most influence what Americans buy at the supermarket are price (55%), flavor (48%), availability (23%) and nutrients (21%). And when it comes to produce impulse shopping, respondents are most likely to snag bananas (33%), grapes (30%) and apples (22%) on their way to the checkout line. The survey also settled the debate about the right stage to eat a banana and found that half (50%) said it’s during the “yellow with no spots” stage although a surprising number (6%) opt to eat their bananas while they’re mostly green. “Bananas are often accused of being high in sugar content. However, the truth is bananas are a nutrient-dense, inexpensive food full of dietary fiber and vitamins B6 and C that should be part of your diet. Whole foods are intrinsically good for us,” said Goldfield. “We know bananas as a quick snack or addition to a meal, supporting heart health and energy metabolism.” TOP TEN MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR EVERY GROCERY TRIP - Bread - 54% - Eggs - 52% - Meat(s) - 51% - Milk or milk substitutes - 50% - Coffee - 35% - Bananas - 35% - Potatoes - 33% - Chips - 32% - Juice - 31% - Noodles / pasta - 30% THE RIGHT STAGE TO EAT A BANANA - Mostly green - 6% - Green/yellow - 23% - Yellow with no spots - 50% - Yellow with brown spots - 13% - Mostly brown - 1% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Dole between Mar. 14 and Mar. 18, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Toast and liquid gold — America eats enough grilled cheese sandwiches in a year to fill nearly 900 Olympic-sized swimming pools. A new state-by-state poll of 5,000 U.S. adults, commissioned by Pepperidge Farm and conducted by OnePoll, found a single average person eats 36 grilled cheeses per year. If everyone in the nation’s population were to eat the average amount in a year, it would be enough to cover 29,180 football fields with the classic sandwich. Grilled cheese sandwiches were found to be best for quick and easy weekday meals (53%), during cravings (38%) and on rainy days (27%). Three in five (62%) agreed that grilled cheese is best made at home and 40% said they prefer eating it for lunch more than any other meal time.

One-quarter of Americans would rather spend an evening doing homework than their taxes, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 Americans split evenly by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 baby boomers) revealed that they’d also rather dissect a frog (14%), take the SATs (11%) or take a calculus exam (9%). The survey also asked respondents how much practical information they learned in school and found that Americans feel like they only use half (52%) of the information they were taught in their adult lives. This may also be why 55% admit that they rely on Google more than their formal education, with the average American searching five basic questions each day. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the banking app Chime, the survey found that almost one-third (32%) of Americans learned “nothing at all” about personal finances during their formal education. Results showed that respondents knew more about information that is rarely used in daily life, like the definitions of equilateral (72%), scalene (69%) and isosceles (57%) triangles, than they did about crucial financial information, such as the difference between a W-2 and a W-4 (46%.) And while more than half (52%) of Gen Zers were able to identify the mitochondria as the powerhouse of the cell, only a quarter (26%) of the same group correctly defined “taxable income” as money, property or services you earn through work, investments and other means. Results also found that while 63% of all respondents consider themselves smarter than the average middle schooler, 16% of both baby boomers and Gen X don’t feel like they are. “Everyone has strengths when it comes to money, but it's clear that schools have not taught our country properly on the topic. Results found that 48% of Gen Z and millennial respondents believe that their ‘financial literacy age’ is 20 years old or younger,” said Sara El-Amine, vice president of Community for Chime. “Financial education is a lifelong learning process that takes time and sometimes trial and error. There seems to be a real opportunity in America to build foundational lessons earlier in life and set up everyday people to feel empowered and confident to achieve their financial goals.” Results also found that there is an eagerness for progress in financial education. Eighty-one percent of respondents would be willing to take an “adulting crash course” or the opportunity to learn relevant skills for being an adult. The topic that they’d like to learn about most is managing their personal finances (39%), followed by how to do their taxes (33%) and home buying and mortgages (31%). Others would like to learn how to write a cover letter or resume (23%), how to change the oil in their car (22%) or even how to cook (21%). Americans also believe that those same topics should be taught in high school, along with workplace etiquette (44%), how to clean (25%) or do laundry (23%) as well as relationship guidance (22%). When it comes to managing their finances, Americans struggle the most with sticking to a budget (34%), paying off debts (30%) and investing (28%). Understanding how their finances today impact their future (30%), working with a financial advisor (29%) and taking a class on finances (28%) are the top ways Americans say they would feel more confident in managing their finances. “Money is a part of our everyday lives — in big ways and small ones — much more so than calculus or geometry. So why isn’t it a standard part of education? The results of the survey really emphasize the importance of building a solid understanding of finance basics in adulthood, and, with Financial Literacy Month in April, there’s no better time to get started,” said El-Amine. “When you feel more confident in understanding your finances, you’ll also feel more confident in taking on the adult world.” Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 U.S. adults split evenly by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 baby boomers) was commissioned by Chime between Feb. 29 and March 4, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Nearly three-quarters of Americans prefer driving to their vacation destination over flying, according to new research. A recent poll of 2,000 American drivers found that the open road is the best way when embarking on an adventure. So what makes driving the most popular option? Road trip veterans reported the best things about road trips include seeing new landscapes (50%), listening to music (43%), getting a break from their routine (26%) and enjoying the feeling of driving (25%). In fact, only 22% of respondents will opt to fly rather than drive when going on a trip. Commissioned by Michelin for Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, and conducted by OnePoll, the study found that almost half of those who’ve ever gone on a road trip (43%) rank themselves as experienced, and a fifth (21%) go so far as to label themselves as expert-level. And of those who have ever taken a road trip, the average respondent has racked up the miles, knocking out 16 road trips in their lifetime. Forty-five percent prefer to assume driving responsibilities for the trip, 22% prefer to have another person drive, and 28% enjoy splitting the driving role with someone else. The biggest concerns for respondents while on a road trip or long drive include having a safe and reliable car (35%), traffic (32%), staying alert and awake (28%) and being aware of dangerous drivers (27%). Safety is top of mind for respondents embarking on a long road trip. The most common hacks respondents use to stay alert and awake on long drives and road trips include listening to music, audiobooks and podcasts (57%), talking to someone else in the car (57%), and drinking coffee or energy drinks (52%). More than three in five (68%) will also have a check-in schedule while on a long drive or road trip to let friends or family know they’re safe. Twenty-two percent of those will check in halfway through the drive and 20% will send a check-in text or call every two hours. "Sometimes, a little preparation can go a long way, especially with road trips. The best trips and vacations include a safety plan. As all drivers and road trippers know, you need to account for unexpected bumps in the road,” said Russell Shepherd, technical communications director of Michelin North America. “If you know you have a reliable car and you can safely get to where you’re going, you’ll be better able to enjoy the ride, without worrying about little mishaps.” For those who have taken a road trip or long drive in the last five years, respondents ranked losing cell service (36%), needing to make frequent bathroom stops (35%) and passengers asking, “Are we there yet?” (27%) as their biggest pet peeves. But little annoyances aren’t the only things to worry about on the open road: 37% of road trippers have experienced what they’d call a road trip nightmare. The survey respondents told tales of flat tires, broken down cars, brakes giving out, accidents, blizzards, rock slides, icy roads and troublesome travel companions to name a few. One respondent memorably lost their wallet and pawned a boom box for gas to make it home. It’s not surprising then that 93% of long-distance drivers agree that they’re able to enjoy themselves to the fullest, make more memories and be fully present on the trip if they know their car is safe and reliable. Pre-road trip, 79% of road trippers prefer to have their car inspected, either by themselves or by a professional. Over nine in 10 of those (95%) will check their tires for nails, tread depth and tire pressure, and almost all (94%) say it’s a high priority to have a reliable car when embarking. “For drivers and road trippers hitting the road this spring and summer, we encourage you to check out your car and make sure it’s in the best shape possible before making the drive,” said Shepherd. “Car trouble is stressful, which isn’t the point of an adventure or vacation.” THE BEST PARTS OF ROAD TRIPS AND LONG DRIVES ● Seeing new landscapes and scenery — 50% ● Listening to music — 43% ● Getting a break from my routine — 26% ● Enjoying the feeling of driving — 25% ● Trying local food along the way — 24% ● Getting to my destination — 24% ● Talking to the people I’m driving with — 23% ● Getting a chance to clear my head— 19% ● Getting some peace and quiet — 16% ● Listening to podcasts — 8% ● Calling friends or family — 6% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American drivers was commissioned by Michelin between Feb. 9 and Feb. 20, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

New Mexico, California and Oregon are the self-declared most eco-friendly states, according to new research, commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and conducted by OnePoll ahead of Earth Day. The survey of 5,000 Americans, split evenly by state, asked respondents how environmentally conscious they consider themselves on a day-to-day basis, with a scale from 0–10. New Mexicans came out as the most environmentally conscious, rating themselves as 5.7 out of 10 — with California and Oregon not far behind, with each giving themselves a 5.5. Following that was a four-way tie, with Delaware, Massachusetts, Vermont and Washington each giving themselves a 5.4 out of 10.

A new study has found parents are deeply concerned about their child’s academic and character development before they turn 5 years old. The poll of 2,000 parents of children ages five and younger found 59% are concerned about their children’s academic and character development, citing concerns about whether their children will learn to play fairly and cooperate with others (50%), communicate well with others (49%) and be able to appropriately express themselves (47%). Parents listed several challenges they face to support their children’s development, including creating a routine (38%), teaching positive behaviors (30%), planning activities (25%), providing a consistent environment (23%) and building early literacy and math skills (23%). Commissioned by Primrose Schools and conducted by OnePoll, the study revealed a large majority (98%) of parents understand the importance the first five years of life play in a child’s development and future successes. According to results, parents shared the earliest ages they believed their children could learn important skills and concepts. For example, some parents believe their children should be able to interact with peers, learn language skills and learn social skills by age two. By age three, parents believe their children should be able to start benefitting from formal learning activities and grasp academic concepts. Over half of parents surveyed (55%) said their concerns about their children’s development are worrisome enough to keep them up at night. “In the first five years of a child’s life, parents have an opportunity to maximize the power and potential of this critical time,” said Dr. Amy Jackson, chief early learning strategy officer at Primrose Schools. “It’s clear that parents want their children to learn these important academic and character development skills while their brains are most receptive to learning, but we know many worry about finding the right approach.” When it comes to support systems for parents, 82% of parents consider preschools to be a part of their support systems — alongside immediate family (88%), extended family (37%) and friends (33%). When looking at preschools, parents said they look for a place that offers a safe place where their child can feel like they belong (28%), qualified teachers invested in their child’s development (24%) and kindergarten readiness (15%). When parents are not consulting their support system, 73% will at least occasionally consult the internet for parenting advice, instead. However, 43% said they feel “overwhelmed” by what they find online. “Support systems are important for new parents, especially during their child’s first five years of life,” continued Dr. Jackson. “The experiences and connections children have in these early years will shape their academic, physical and social-emotional development — ultimately forming their foundation for learning and who they become.” TOP 10 SKILLS PARENTS WANT THEIR CHILDREN TO LEARN BEFORE KINDERGARTEN - Naming colors - 76% - Sharing - 72% - Verbal skills - 72% - Numbers and shapes - 72% - The alphabet - 67% - Creativity - 60% - Self-control and cooperation - 54% - Appropriate self-expression - 54% - Self-confidence - 54% - Compassion - 51% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American parents of children aged 0 to 5 was commissioned by Primrose Schools between Feb 22 and Feb 26, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Seven in 10 Americans are guilty of “patientsplaining” their online health findings to their doctor (68%), according to new research. A survey looked at how 2,000 general population Americans invest time into their health and found that three in four do at least some health-related research in their spare time (77%). When they experience a change in their bodies, the same percentage of respondents would schedule a doctor’s appointment first (30%) as those who would look their concerns up online themselves (32%). Conducted by OnePoll for Vimergy, the survey found that those surveyed want to take an even greater interest in caring for their body, with the average person researching the best ways to care for their health five times within the past month.