In numbers: How the UK public is shunning sustainable actions in favour of convenience

While most Brits say they are keen to change their behaviour to become more sustainable, most don't follow through on their commitments, a new survey of 2,000 people has found. Here, edie rounds up the key findings of the poll.

edie rounds up the key facts from the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association's recent behaviour change survey


A recent survey, commissioned by the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) and undertaken by OnePoll, asked 2,000 adults from across the UK about the actions they were taking to make their lifestyles less carbon-intensive and wasteful.

Covering an array of issues, from plastic recycling to sustainable transport, the poll asked participants what the key barriers were to making “eco-friendly” choices, and what companies could do to make changing their daily habits easier.

While 87% said they thought it was important to live a “greener” lifestyle, more than half (52%) said they did not always choose the most sustainable option due to “inconvenience”.

Actions found to be commonly avoided in favour of convenience were walking and cycling, separating waste for recycling and reusing shopping bags and packaging. 

“Our results found that the vast majority of Britons are keen on the idea of being green,” an MPMA spokesperson said.

“Unfortunately, it often only takes the slightest inconvenience to knock all of the wind out of our sails and we wind up doing things that are easy – but not great for the planet."

As research which suggests that consumer demand for sustainable packaging, corporate transparency and ethically-produced fashion is rising continues to emerge, the survey sheds light on how attitudes translate into tangible actions.

Here, edie rounds up the key facts and stats from the poll’s findings.

In numbers: How much have the UK public changed their green habits? 

Turning the Blue Planet effect into impactful behaviour change

Hubbub founder Trewin Restorick recently wrote a guest blog for edie, explaining how businesses can drive lasting, impactful behaviour change to make their operations more sustainable. You can read his top tips for achieving employee and consumer engagement here

Sarah George


behaviour change | transport | low-carbon | Energy Efficiency


CSR & ethics



