Collecting rainwater, taking quicker showers and only washing clothes which are visibly dirty are among the top 30 ways Brits are going green.
Research into 2,000 adults revealed the top hacks for being sustainable also include growing their own fruit and veg and buying organic food.
It also emerged 58% 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% 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% now do regularly - other first steps included walking instead of driving (39%) and avoiding unnecessary travel (34%).
Image:
Dougal Waters Photography Ltd/Getty Images)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.”
Image:
Mike Harrington/Getty Images)The study also found 44% believe it’s difficult to live a green lifestyle compared to only 12% 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%) feeling there is not enough education around being sustainable.
Almost two thirds (63%) 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%) have shared tips with others on how to live a greener lifestyle.
And individuals have looked to TV shows (26%), social media (24%) and friends (24%) for inspiration.
Top motivations for becoming greener have included saving money (39%), feeling guilty for past habits (25%) and becoming a parent (24%) or grandparent (21%).
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?”
TOP 30 WAYS BRITS ARE BEING GREEN:
- Turn off lights/switches when not in room
- Use bags for life at supermarkets
- Put on more layers rather than turn the heating on
- Cut down plastic usage
- Use reusable water bottles
- Walk short distances rather than drive
- Buy fruit and veg loose rather than packed in plastic
- Take quicker showers
- Grow fruit and veg
- Cut back on meat
- Only wash clothes if they looked dirty
- Wash clothes on a cold wash
- Collect rainwater for plants e.g. a water butt
- Shop second hand
- Compost food
- Take less flights
- Use reusable coffee cups
- Shower less
- Upcycle clothes
- Label recycling bins
- Bought organic food
- Upcycle furniture
- Swap to a reusable razor rather than disposable
- Avoid using cotton buds
- Gone vegetarian or vegan
- Swap to a bamboo toothbrush
- Car share
- Made plant pots out of plastic bottles
- Shop in zero waste shops
- Follow an organic diet
