More than half of adults have made changes to be more sustainable, research finds

A poll of 1,000 adults found new habits include limiting food waste, using bags for life at the supermarket and turning off lights in the house

Charlotte Minett
Wednesday 04 October 2023 15:16 BST
Comments
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

More than half of adults have made changes to be more sustainable in the last 12 months, according to research.

A poll of 1,000 adults found new habits include limiting food waste (66 per cent), using bags for life at the supermarket (64 per cent) and turning off lights in the house (64 per cent).

Others are washing laundry on cold cycles (45 per cent), growing their own fruit and vegetables (30 per cent) and cycling more (18 per cent).

A third have even changed their food habits to become more eco-friendly – including only buying local produce, not purchasing items in plastic packaging and doing meat-free Mondays.

But 68 per cent already consider themselves to be eco-friendly – with an average of five sustainable habits under their belt already.

The research was commissioned by Hyundai, to launch the world’s first car powered fete, using 12 of the brand’s electric vehicles to showcase the role innovation can play in a more sustainable life.

The research was commissioned by Hyundai , to launch the world’s first car powered fete
The research was commissioned by Hyundai , to launch the world’s first car powered fete (Hyundai / swns)

It also emerged four in 10 of those who reside in the countryside find it hard to maintain eco-friendly measures – compared to just 16 per cent of the city dwellers.

The cost (48 per cent) and poor public transport (45 per cent) were found to be the main barriers for people in the countryside living more sustainable lives.

While half of those living in a rural area want to do better but find it challenging due to the lack of infrastructure.

As a result, only eight per cent of countryside folk class themselves as ‘very eco-friendly’ – although 72 per cent have tried to limit their food waste and 69 per cent recycle everything possible.

Despite this, 39 per cent want to move to the countryside because it’s quieter, to enjoy the scenic views and to experience cleaner air than in the city, according to the study carried out via OnePoll.

Ashley Andrew, President, of Hyundai Motor UK, which powered the village fete using its all new KONA Electric, IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, said: “We chose the rural community of Chettle as we were impressed by the focus on safeguarding its beautiful landscape for the future as well as acting in a more environmentally responsible way, which aligns with our ethos.

“We hope that the event inspires the broader community to think creatively about what they can do in their own lives to live better for the future.

“As we move forward to a net zero future, we believe EVs offer many benefits and consumer education remains an important part of that journey.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in