Centrica: Centrica research shows majority want their homes to be more eco-friendly

Shorter showers, reusing teabags and renting children’s toys are among the top 50 hacks Scots are adopting to be green.

A survey of 2,000 adults revealed 94 per cent are making an effort to be eco-friendly, by doing things like installing solar panels, using energy efficient light bulbs and carpooling.

Sustainably sourced tea and coffee is popular among Scots with 16 per cent making the switch, while just under two fifths will walk or cycle instead of driving.

Line drying towels and clothes, buying loose fruit and veg, and taking shorter showers are also popular ways of tackling climate change.

One in 20 adults have even bought an air source heat pump to heat their home differently.

While 85 per cent say becoming more sustainable, and taking deliberate action to help fight climate change, has become very important to them, compared to 88 per cent of Scots.

The study was carried out by Centrica, which is inviting communities and entrepreneurs in Scotland to apply for a grant of up to £100,000 from its Energy for Tomorrow social impact fund, for initiatives that can deliver affordable, accessible and sustainable energy solutions to help tackle climate change.

Abi Robins, Director of Responsible Business at Centrica, said: “Whether it’s simply recycling more, or going all out and installing solar panels, smart meters and heat pumps, any change we make will have a positive impact on the climate.

“There are also some really innovative ideas that people have to tackle climate change in their communities and our fund is the perfect way to help make their ideas a reality.”

Researchers found moulding leftover bits of soap together, switching to a plant-based diet and turning off the tap while brushing teeth are also key actions to become more eco-friendly.

And a handful of respondents polled confessed to thinking outside the box – by foraging for food on holiday, upcycling orange juice cartons as bird feeders, growing seeds in old toilet roll tubes and even going nude at home to reduce wear and tear on clothing.

Over half (54 per cent) of all respondents believe they have become more sustainable over the last year, including 55 per cent of Scots.

And 56 per cent of Scots will take at least one green action a day, while 58 per cent have installed some form of smart technology in their home in order to be more eco-friendly.

The most popular in Scotland are energy efficient lightbulbs (73 per cent), a smart thermostat (29 per cent), smart lighting (22 per cent) and smart showerheads (16 per cent).

Just over half (53 per cent) of all of those surveyed by OnePoll think businesses should do more to tackle climate change, and 52 per cent of Scots agree.

And while one in five would consider turning their green hack into a business for others to benefit, 62 per cent would like to see more funding for innovative ideas that tackle climate change.

Half of respondents believe that local authorities should implement more sustainable initiatives to tackle climate change.

Although, 48 per cent have already noticed sustainable initiatives in their local area, including 46 per cent in Scotland, like e-scooters or bikes, charging points for electric vehicles, more bike lanes and recycling bins.

Despite such positive action, over two fifths are still very worried about the effects of climate change.

And while 90 per cent of Scots believe that it is important that the UK becomes carbon-neutral by 2050, only a quarter think the country will achieve this goal.

“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we’re facing, and we believe it needs to be tackled together. By encouraging collaborative action, from local authorities, governments and businesses all the way to the individual this will bring us closer to a fairer, more sustainable future. By setting up and supporting sustainable initiatives, local communities can explore more innovative solutions to an ongoing issue, which can help lead to a better and cleaner planet.”