Eco-conscious Brits are more sustainable than ever as they buy reusable shopping bags and batteries for the first time

Six in 10 Brits have tried to be more sustainable than ever before in 2021 – with many purchasing reusable shopping bags, coffee cups and even rechargeable batteries for the first time this year.

More than a fifth (21%) of the 2,000 adults surveyed believed 2021 would be the year that they made sure everything could be recycled. This was despite 67% of those who were inspired by images of plastic littering beaches and oceans.

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A further 17 per cent have attended a local litter pick for the first time, and encouragingly, 58 per cent believe that the eco-firsts they have introduced are not one-offs.

Of the parents surveyed, 62 per cent think these sustainable actions will have a lasting impact throughout their child’s life.

33% of parents have made a change this year, and that was thanks to their kids.

The research was commissioned to launch the new TV series of Fireman Sam, on 4th October on Cartoonito, which incorporates a sustainability and marine conservation theme, teaching young tots how to look after the environment.

Helen Genia, a spokesperson from the Fireman Sam show said: “It is incredibly encouraging to learn about the eco-friendly changes the nation has already made this year.

“Our new series introduces eco-friendly messages and lessons which we hope will encourage and inspire our young viewers and their families to continue to make sustainable changes and a positive difference to our planet.”

The study also found 45 per cent are determined to introduce even more eco-firsts in the future – with soap bars and natural cleaning products ranked among the top items which will be making into shopping trollies.

Over three quarters of ten (31%) say they prefer to repair items to buying new. Another 29% plan to start growing their own food in the next year.

The poll also showed that people care about the environment, even while on vacation.

This summer, half (50 per cent) of those polled went on a staycation – with 54 per cent of these visiting a beach during their trip.

71% claimed they were ‘excellent at taking their litter with them’ when they ventured out to the beaches of the UK.

35% made an effort to be more sustainable and green during their trip.

More than a third (35%), claimed that they saw more litter on the beaches than usual this year.

Some holidaymakers claimed that PPE such as gloves and face masks were more common on the beaches than usual, with 34% reporting that they saw a significant amount of litter discarded.

To mark the launch of the new TV show Fireman Sam has teamed up with the Marine Conservation Society, and with the help of primary students at Bearwood Primary School in Poole, Dorset, took part in the charities ‘Great British Beach Clean Up’.