Although anti-pollution laws have gone a long way toward cleaning up the state's air and water, a new report says that solving some of the more intractable environmental problems won't happen unless residents change how they live.

Despite the steadily rising cost of gasoline and electricity, commuters and homeowners do not appear to be stepping up to the plate, according to a report issued Wednesday by the Council on Environmental Quality.

"We're looking more at lifestyle changes vs. statutory changes," said Thomas Harrison, chairman of the state advisory group.

For example: Connecticut drivers, on average, drove more miles in 2007 than the year before, which could wind up offsetting efforts to cut the state's output of greenhouse gases associated with global warming.

• Recycling rates in 2007 declined - again. The state already had failed to meet a goal of recycling 40 percent of solid waste by 2000.

"The consequences have been enormous," the report says. "Hundreds of thousands of tons of waste are shipped out of state each year, putting thousands of diesel trucks on the highways for trips of many hundred miles."

That means more traffic and more air pollution.

• Most appliances bought in Connecticut are not energy-efficient models, even though residents could cut electricity use by purchasing Energy Star-certified refrigerators and other devices.

By persuading more people to do so, "Connecticut could see a noticeable improvement in the use of energy," Harrison said. That, too, would help the state meet long-term goals that can contribute to the battle against climate change.
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