While there has been a growth in sentiment among the UK public that their personal actions can improve the environment, the cost-of-living crisis continues to be a barrier for sustainability

RED C’s latest research on sustainability in the UK shows that the economic uncertainty of the cost-of-living crisis continues to be a barrier for sustainability, with half of UK adults (51%) wanting to live more sustainably but not feeling they can financially afford to do so.

Half of UK adults (49%) also report actively buying and / or selling second- hand products, a behaviour mostly driven by 18-34s (61%) and women (58%). However, a fifth of men (20%) are not open to buying second-hand products.

Despite large improvements to London’s air quality as a result of ULEZ charging and the roll out of hybrid / electric vehicles, more than 1 in 2 Londoners (55%) remain concerned about. Concern over air quality in the UK also declines with age.

A third of UK adults (32%) regularly eat plant-based foods and limit their consumption of animal products, with women driving this (40%). Also, over half of women (55%) and 6 in 10 of those 55+ (61%) buy local, in season foods.

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UK Consumer Sustainability – March 2023