In a survey of 2,000 persons, 59% said they couldn't make any environmentally beneficial adjustments to their existing lifestyle because their finances wouldn't allow it.
The typical individual had £159 in discretionary money each month, but seven out of ten wished they had more so they could live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
What is the UK government doing to become more environmentally friendly?
By 2050, the government intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a net-zero level.
As income from fossil fuel-related activity dries up, the Treasury has signalled that tax increases may be inevitable.
The UK will no longer contribute to the total amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere if it achieves net-zero emissions. Without action on climate change, the globe will become hotter, sea levels will rise, and extreme weather will become more frequent.
The Treasury stated that meeting the goal will put pressure on government spending, but noted that “the biggest impact" came from "the erosion of tax revenues from fossil fuel-related activity.”
Fuel duty and vehicle excise duty raised £37 billion last year, but the move to electric cars is expected to create a temporary tax vacuum by the 2040s, necessitating new revenue-raising strategies.
In addition to measures to encourage more people to drive electric cars, the government will provide £5,000 subsidies to anyone who transitions from gas boilers to low-carbon heat pumps starting in April.
Heat pumps use electricity to remove warmth from the air, the earth, or water, similar to how a refrigerator works in reverse. Depending on the kind installed and the size of a home, an air-source heat pump might cost anywhere from £6,000 to £18,000.
Despite the fact that up to 25 million homes in the UK have gas boilers, the government's funding will only fund 90,000 pumps over the next three years. The measures, according to critics, do not go far enough.
According to Greenpeace UK, the UK government has pledged to minimise public sponsorship of fossil fuel ventures overseas which is a step forward. However, the UK's considerable contribution to foreign aid paid to the United Nations to help support climate solutions is being reduced.
Furthermore, private funding of fossil fuels by the UK banking industry continues to exacerbate global climate change. The UK banking industry generates 1.8 times more emissions than the entire UK by supporting harmful projects all over the world.
Why are people more reluctant to transition to a more sustainable lifestyle?
The general sentiment towards sustainable lifestyles has always been somewhat negative as many perceive it to be too costly for the average person.
Organic food, electric automobiles, home energy-saving bulbs, and double glazing are just a few of the "green" products that consumers want but cannot afford alongside other essential items,
Eight out of ten individuals believe the government should do more to encourage homeowners to help conserve the environment. Claire Tracey, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer for Nationwide Building Society, stated, “Our study shows that many consumers who want to go green are prevented from doing so by the price of ethical and sustainable products. This new incentive is, therefore, a helpful start to making the UK’s homes greener."
Additionally, the study found that nearly half of those questioned said they would like to be able to put solar panels in their house, with one-third saying they would buy an environmentally friendly laptop if they had the money to do so.
Organic towels and bedding are desired by one-quarter of respondents, while other little purchases such as eco-friendly dishwashing tablets, biodegradable bin liners, and recycled toilet paper are desired but out of reach owing to cost.
The cost of items was the most important consideration, with 43% indicating that shopping locally and ethically was out of reach for many. The research, conducted by OnePoll, revealed that 94% of individuals would strive to protect the environment if they had the financial means.
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