Sustainable lifestyle choices Britons are choosing to prioritize include growing their own vegetables, driving an electric vehicle and stopping clothes dryer use.
Using energy-efficient light bulbs and shutting down home technology were also in the top 10 actions to help the environment.
But the most important act is simply to recycle as much as possible, according to 53% of adults.
Three in ten also place great importance on reducing their use of plastic.
A third (32%) of 2,000 adults surveyed place more importance on extinguishing unused sockets than buying from sustainable brands.
And having a water tank is considered to have a greater positive impact on the environment than not flying to foreign destinations.
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Ashley Andrew, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor UK, who commissioned the research, said: “This research gives growing hope and shows that more of us want to live sustainably and prioritize greener resolutions for the new year 2022.
“It also highlights the important role big brands play in driving change to support consumer choice.”
The study found that seven out of ten adults admit to feeling confused about which actions are considered “green” and which are not.
And only 15% think their lifestyle choices are as green as they could be.
But 70% believe they have made a positive change in the past 12 months, in terms of environmental impact.
Just over half (50%) believe that the recent COP26 event and other environmental news have raised their awareness of the subject.
Despite this, 32% admitted to having a “I will do it tomorrow” attitude when it comes to tackling climate change.
While seven in ten think national governments and big business should shoulder the burden when it comes to truly reversing climate change.
(Image: SWNS)
It also emerged that 45% of respondents, via OnePoll, are “passionate” about ecology, but don’t really know how to make sure they really are.
And 26% are actively looking to replace their car with an electric vehicle right now.
But while a quarter would do it to help reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment, just under one in ten said it was simply because they were fashionable.
Ashley Andrew added: “People are looking for ways to do their part to tackle the climate problem, whether that means reducing plastic or reusing materials.
“This is a practice we have also committed to with the IONIQ 5, where even our floor mats are made from recycled fishing nets.
“But this is only part of the battle, and we need everyone – from government to business and every individual – to do their part.”
THE TOP 30 GREEN DROPS OF THE BRITS:
- Recycle as much as possible
- Use reusable carrier bags
- Use energy-saving light bulbs
- Walk rather than drive if possible
- Switch off unused outlets
- Hang the laundry instead of using a clothes dryer
- Switch off home technology when not in use
- Avoid using or buying plastic
- Avoid throwing things in the landfill
- Use renewable energy providers
- Reduce the use of central heating by wearing sweaters instead
- Buy local products
- Have a compost bin
- Eat little or no meat
- Use public transport instead of driving
- Grow your own produce
- Driving an electric/hybrid vehicle rather than a petrol/diesel vehicle
- Try to buy used
- Try planting trees
- Consciously buy less packaged products (food or otherwise)
- Have a water collector in the garden
- Do not get on planes at all
- Take your own reusable cup when visiting cafes
- Buy sustainable fashion
- Use environmentally friendly cleaning products
- Use a metal straw instead of disposable straws
- Try to buy from sustainable brands
- Check labels in stores to make sure what you’re buying is eco-friendly
- Count the “food miles” of food in supermarkets
- Get groceries delivered
