Over half of Brits adopting new sustainable habits - like limiting food waste, study finds

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 percent), using bags for life at the supermarket (64 percent), and turning off lights in the house (64 percent).

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

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 percent 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.

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

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

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

As a result, only eight percent of countryside folk class themselves as “very eco-friendly” – although 72 percent have tried to limit their food waste, while 69 percent recycle everything possible.

Despite this, 39 percent 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.”