Sustainability may take back seat if bills rise as predicted, suggests survey

Most Britons think they can’t afford to live sustainably due to increasing cost of living, found a recent survey, claiming that people are expected to cut corners on sustainable living if the bills go up as predicted.

As per the findings of Green Response report, created by hygiene and health company Essity, 64 per cent of UK adults want to be eco-friendly but are fearful the increasing cost of living will make such a thing impossible.

As many as six in 10 are worried about affording basic bills and household goods, while 26 per cent say more expensive organic or ethically sourced options will now be bottom of the shopping list.

As experts are predicting the average household might need to part with around £125 more a month in living costs, 62 per cent are unsure they’ll be able to make ends meet.

Expensive purchases and cutting corners on sustainable living are cited as the two main sacrifices people will have to make if the bills go up as predicted.

An extra pay out of £125 per month will also lead to 11 per cent getting a second job, while one in 20 adults genuinely fear they’ll have to sell their property, said the survey.

The findings are in contrast to data from just three months ago which claimed that most Britons would be happy to pay a premium for goods which benefited the environment. The average person was found to be happy spending 12 per cent more on hygiene and health products, 11 per cent more on groceries, and 10 per cent more on beauty and personal care.

“In the space of three short months there have been a number of announcements which have left the majority of people uneasy about being able to afford basic necessities such as petrol, electricity, food, drink and so on,” said a spokesman for Essity.

“So, it comes as no great surprise to learn that even at a time where people want to do their best for the planet, they feel unable.