Top 30 ‘green habits’ of Brits revealed – recycling tops list
Growing their own veg, driving an electric vehicle – and stopping use of the tumble dryer are the sustainable lifestyle choices Brits are choosing to prioritise
But the single most significant act is simply to recycle as much as possible, according 53 per cent of adults.
Using low-energy light bulbs and turning off household tech also appeared in the top 10. While three in 10 now place huge importance on reducing their use of plastic.
Of the 2,000 adults polled, 32 per cent are placing more importance on switching off plugs that aren’t in use than buying from sustainable brands.
And having a water butt is considered to have a bigger positive impact on the environment than not flying to foreign destinations.
The study found seven in 10 adults admit to feeling confused over what actions are considered ‘green’ and what aren’t. And only 15 per cent believe their lifestyle choices are as green as they could be.
But 70 per cent reckon they’ve made a positive change in the last 12 months, in terms of their impact on the environment.
Just over half (50 per cent) believe the recent COP26 event, and other news around the environment, have heightened their awareness of the subject. Despite this, 32 per cent admitted to having an ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ attitude towards fighting climate change.
Ashley Andrew, managing director, Hyundai Motor UK, which commissioned the research, said:
“This research gives increasing hope and shows that more of us are wanting to live sustainably and are prioritising greener new year resolutions for 2022.
“It also highlights the important role leading brands play in driving the change to support consumer choice.”
BRITS’ TOP 30 GREEN HABITS
1. Recycle as much as possible
2. Use reusable carrier bags
3. Use low energy light bulbs
4. Walk rather than drive where possible
5. Switch off plugs that aren’t in use
6. Hang washing out rather than use a tumble dryer
7. Turn off household technology when not in use
8. Avoid using or buying plastic
9. Avoid throwing items away into landfill
10. Use renewable energy suppliers
11. Reduce use of central heating by wearing jumpers instead
12. Buy local products
13. Have a compost bin
14. Eat little or no meat
15. Use public transport instead of driving
16. Grow your own produce
17. Drive an electric/hybrid vehicle rather than a petrol/diesel
18. Try to buy second-hand
19. Try to plant trees
20. Consciously buy products (food or otherwise) that have less packaging
21. Have a water butt in the garden
22. Don’t go on planes at all
23. Take your own reusable cup when visiting coffee shops
24. Buy sustainable fashion
25. Use eco cleaning products
26. Use a metal straw instead of disposable ones
27. Try to buy from sustainable brands
28. Check labels in shops to make sure what you buy is eco friendly
29. Count ‘food miles’ of foods in supermarkets
30. Have food shop delivered
