Half of Brits making lifestyle changes to be more eco-friendly… but it still costs too much

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.

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, 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."