Brits are concerned their sustainable habits will go out the window when restrictions lift
A study of 2,000 adults found more than a third have incorporated more ‘green’ habits into their routine since lockdowns began in March 2020.
But of those, 66 per cent admitted these habits are likely to now become less of a priority when life returns to normal.
This is due to having less time (44 per cent), not being at home as often (42 per cent) and having other pressing priorities (39 per cent).
As a result of these findings, renewable electricity provider E.ON has created a new skill on Amazon Alexa to help people make their homes more sustainable.
The skill – called E.ON’s Sustainable Home – helps people understand more about why it’s important to be green at home and how sustainability can change at different times of the year and in different rooms.
Michael Lewis, E.ON UK CEO, said: “We understand that as the world slowly returns to normal and people start getting out and about more, being sustainable at home might become less of a priority for some.
“But we need to ensure that sustainability remains on everyone’s list of priorities and all of the good habits and intentions many of us have adopted over this last year continue.
“There are many simple and easy steps people can take towards becoming more sustainable at home, such as tracking your energy use with a smart meter or getting solar panels. And there are many everyday tricks you can use too.”
More conscious as a result of lockdown
The study also found almost half of adults have become more sustainably conscious during lockdown.
Habits people have taken on include turning off switches when they’re not plugged in (26 per cent) and turning off appliances which aren’t in use (24 per cent).
A further sixth only heated rooms that were occupied, rather than the whole house.
But 39 per cent admitted switching off lights when not in the room is likely to slip down their list of concerns now.
Similarly, turning the heating off when not at home (35 per cent) and thinking about installing an energy efficient boiler (30 per cent) or solar panels (24 per cent) will become less of a priority.
Three in five adults polled via OnePoll admitted they would like to educate themselves on how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Radio DJ and TV presenter Edith Bowman has teamed up with E.ON to voice the new Amazon Alexa skill.
She said: “It’s so important that we take responsibility to care for the environment we live in and as we all start leaving our homes more, it is crucial we maintain the positive sustainability habits we have developed over the past 12 months.”
Michael added: “By creating an Alexa skill, we’re making sustainability advice easy, convenient and accessible for people who want to find out more and to take action, helping the nation meet our net zero target.”