Brits aspire to own vegetable patch more than luxury holiday, claims study

Eco-conscious lifestyles have replaced traditional status symbols – with having a vegetable patch and electric car now bigger aspirations than a luxury holiday.

Research polling 2,000 Brits found having an electric vehicle on the drive (22 per cent), a compost heap (15 per cent) and a vegetable patch (24 per cent) are among the top things adults currently aspire to.

But only six per cent would like to own an expensive handbag or piece of jewellery and just nine per cent long for a swimming pool at home. Being able to say you use mostly or only renewable energy is the biggest aspiration for green Brits, followed by having a low carbon footprint.

It also emerged 62 per cent feel that being environmentally conscious is more important than having materialistic things. And 73 per cent are now conscious of being seen to live an eco-conscious lifestyle.

A huge 81 per cent take pleasure in recycling and knowing they’re doing their bit for the environment and 22 per cent admit to having a disagreement with others on the street because they thought their neighbours were harming the environment.

2 in 3 Brits want more sustainable lifestyle following lockdown

 

A fifth of those polled have tried to outdo their neighbours when it comes to recycling and reducing their carbon footprint. And nearly a quarter (23 per cent) have even felt envious when seeing a neighbour purchase an eco-product.

Other things residents judge their neighbours for include littering (19 per cent) and even purchasing a “petrol guzzling car” (10 percent). A fifth also claim they respect neighbours for their recycling habits more so than their wealth.

A spokesperson for energy provider Bulb, which commissioned the research, said:

“It’s fantastic that so many of us are looking to more sustainable lifestyles to help protect the planet for future generations.”

“Electric cars are going to play a vital role in the transition to net zero, and we want to make owning one simple and affordable.

Bulb is launching its new product for drivers which it claims will make owning an electric car seamless, providing 100% renewable electricity, cheaper charging at night, and tools to make sure their car is always charged.

TOP 20 THINGS BRITS ASPIRE TO:

1. Using only or mostly renewable energy
2. Having a low (or lower) carbon footprint
3. Having a vegetable patch
4. Driving an electric vehicle
5. Getting a renewable off grid energy source e.g. ground source heat pump or solar panels
6. Having a raised plant bed
7. Having a compost heap
8. Being able to afford extravagant holidays
9. Owning a holiday home
10. Flying first class in a plane
11. Having a self-sufficient smallholding
12. Buying a bigger TV or sound system
13. Owning a sheep, cow, goat or chickens
14. Subscribing to sustainable food produce e.g. wonky veg boxes
15. Having a swimming pool at home
16. Buying a hot tub
17. Owning a farm
18. Owning a 4×4 or SUV e.g. a Range Rover
19. Flying in a private jet
20. Owing expensive jewellery