Collecting rainwater, taking quicker showers and only washing clothes which are visibly dirty are among the top 30 ways Brits are going green.
Research of 2,000 adults revealed the top hacks for being sustainable, which included growing their own fruit and veg, taking quicker showers and buying organic food.
It also emerged 58 per cent believe they live a green lifestyle and have done so for an average of 20 months – just over a year and a half.
Yet 55 per cent still want to up their eco game and start to make good choices for the planet.
When it comes to being more eco-friendly and looking beyond the obvious – such as recycling plastic which 46 per cent now do regularly – other first steps included walking instead of driving (39 per cent) and avoiding unnecessary travel (34 per cent)
The research was commissioned by Yeo Valley Organic, which uses regenerative farming in its practices.
Spokesperson, Beth Jones, said: “It’s more important than ever to learn new green habits, and we love sharing good choices for both people and the planet.
“Our research reveals how people are re-evaluating their water usage habits, for example, and having shorter showers and washing clothes on a cold temperature to reduce their impact on the planet.
“What’s especially great about a lot of the green habits many Brits are already incorporating into their everyday routine is as well as having a positive impact on people’s health and the planet, they’re also clever ways to save money amid the rising
cost of living.
“Turning off the lights when you’re not in a room, reaching for a jumper before the
thermostat when you’re cold, walking short distances instead of burning through your fuel tank – these things are all good choices for people and the planet.”
1. Turn off lights/switches when not in the room
2. Use bags for life at supermarkets
3. Put on more layers rather than turn the heating on
4. Cut down plastic usage
5. Use reusable water bottles
6. Walk short distances rather than drive
7. Buy fruit and veg loose rather than packed in plastic
8. Take quicker showers
9. Grow fruit and veg
10. Cut back on meat
11. Only wash clothes if they looked dirty
12. Wash clothes on a cold wash
13. Collect rainwater for plants e.g. a water butt
14. Shop second hand
15. Compost food
16. Take less flights
17. Use reusable coffee cups
18. Shower less
19. Upcycle clothes
20. Label recycling bins
21. Bought organic food
22. Upcycle furniture
23. Swap to a reusable razor rather than disposable
24. Avoid using cotton buds
25. Gone vegetarian or vegan
26. Swap to a bamboo toothbrush
27. Car share
28. Made plant pots out of plastic bottles
29. Shop in zero waste shops
30. Follow an organic diet
The study also found 44 per cent believe it’s difficult to live a green lifestyle compared to only 12 per cent who believe it’s easy.
A lack of understanding around how to live a green lifestyle may be to blame, with more
than a quarter (26 per cent) feeling there is not enough education around being sustainable.
Almost two thirds (63 per cent) of those polled via OnePoll agreed if everyone incorporated a few sustainable habits into their everyday routine, it would make a massive difference.
Three in 10 adults (31 per cent) have shared tips with others on how to live a greener lifestyle.
And individuals have looked to TV shows (26 per cent), social media (24 per cent) and friends (24 per cent) for inspiration.
Top motivations for becoming greener have included saving money (39 per cent), feeling guilty for past habits (25 per cent) and becoming a parent (24 per cent) or
grandparent (21 per cent).
Beth Jones added: “It’s promising to see that people are already switching to organic as part of their personal journey towards a greener lifestyle.
“As one of Britain’s largest organic brands, it’s important to us to provide people with more opportunities to choose organic as part of their sustainability aims.
“What better time to start making good choices than Organic September?”
