Energy prices turn Brits towards eco-living

Rising energy prices coupled with wallets pinched by the credit crunch are forcing Brits to embrace green living - but only to an extent.

More than three quarters (78%) of UK households have become more energy efficient in the last twelve months.

Over a third (36%) did so because of the rising cost of gas and electricity.

However, just 9% cited environmental concerns as their main motivation for making their home more energy efficient.

The cost of being eco-friendly is putting a significant proportion of people off - with 64% of those who have not installed insulation saying they cannot afford it.

Consumers are not yet willing to make big sacrifices for the environment, with just 17% of Brits saying they’d be happy to pay up to £20 more per year on their energy bill for 100% renewable energy.

Despite this apparent apathy, the eco-living message is having an small but important impact on the daily lives of Brits.

Nine in ten (91%) now switch off the lights when they’re not needed.

Eight in ten (79%) only fill the kettle with the required amount of water, whilst a similar number (78%) only run washing machines and dishwashers when full.

Seven in ten (69%) households no longer leave electrical appliances - such as the TV, computer, or DVD player - on standby.

The recession ‘is a double-edged sword’ for the environment, said Ann Robinson of uSwitch.com, who conducted the poll.

“Consumers are reacting to the recession and the high cost of energy by cutting back on energy usage,” Robinson said.

“They are taking simple steps, but they are not buying into the major energy efficiency measures because they are worried about the costs involved, are confused about what is available and don’t understand the savings they could make.”