9 in 10 Brits to be more environmentally friendly in 2021

A study of 2,000 adults found 89 per cent said being more environmentally friendly is a priority for them in 2021.

For more than half (53 per cent), opting for products with less plastic packaging is the top way they will try to be more sustainable in the coming 12 months.

Another 45 per cent are planning to save energy at home, while others will recycle more household waste (47 per cent) and look to buy from charity shops rather than purchase brand new items (25 per cent).

It also emerged 48 per cent plan to change their habits because they recognise how important it is to protect the planet. And 40 per cent of those polled in the study want to help make a better planet for future generations.

The study also found that after this year a third of people now care less about materialistic items.

But while 49 per cent said they started 2020 intending to live more sustainably, 14 per cent claimed they gave this up between March and April, coinciding with the first national lockdown.

Of those who failed to live as sustainably as they’d hoped this year, 41 per cent put this down to their priorities shifting during the pandemic. And one in five (20 per cent) admitted to losing the motivation to be sustainable.

However, 62 per cent said spending more time outdoors during lockdown and enjoying nature has made them want to look after the planet and be more environmentally friendly in 2021.

Almost half (49 per cent) believe people will live more sustainably than ever before next year, with 58 per cent feeling optimistic about the upcoming year as a whole.

Says Michael Lewis, chief executive of E.ON UK, which commissioned the research:

“We know that 2020 has been an extremely challenging year and people’s priorities throughout the year have naturally changed due to the pandemic.

“But it’s great to see that sustainability is back on the agenda for the majority of people in 2021.

“At E.ON we remain committed to helping our customers live more sustainably and our range of smart home solutions can support those wanting to make positive changes to the way they use energy.”

10 WAYS WE PLAN TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE IN 2021:

1. Buy products with less plastic packaging
2. Walk or cycle when making shorter journeys instead of driving
3. Recycle more household waste
4. Save more energy at home
5. Shop locally
6. Donate unwanted items to charity shops instead of throwing them away
7. Drive a petrol/diesel car less
8. Buy less fast fashion
9. Eat less meat
10. Shop at charity shops instead of always buying new

To find out more about how to live life more sustainably with E.ON’s range of smart, sustainable energy solutions, visit eonenergy.com