In the UK, we are racing to ‘up’ our eco credentials as eco conscious lifestyles have replaced traditional status symbols – with having a vegetable patch and an electric car bigger aspirations than a luxury holiday.
Research polling 2000 people found having an electric vehicle on the drive (22%), a compost heap (15%) and a vegetable patch (24%) are among the top things adults currently aspire to.
But only 6% would like to own an expensive handbag or piece of jewellery and just 9% long for a swimming pool at home.
Being able to say you use mostly or only renewable energy is the biggest aspiration for green consumers, followed by having a low carbon footprint.
A spokesperson for Bulb, which commissioned the research, said: ‘It is fantastic that so many of us are looking to more sustainable lifestyles to help protect the planet for future generations.’
It also emerged 62% feel that being environmentally conscious is more important than having materialistic things. And 73% are now conscious of being seen to live an eco conscious lifestyle.
A huge 81% take pleasure in recycling and knowing they are doing their bit for the environment.
Another 23% even admitted to comparing themselves to neighbours when it comes to environmentally friendly acts. Whilst almost one in five have made an environmentally friendly purchase after seeing their neighbour doing the same.
Purchases include vegetable patches (44%), compost heaps (42%), electric cars (39%) and solar panels (39%).
The study, carried out via OnePoll also found 61% get annoyed by neighbours who can’t recycle properly.
Whilst 22% admit to having a disagreement with others on the street because they thought their neighbours were harming the environment.
Other things residents judge their neighbours for include littering (19%) and even purchasing a ‘petrol guzzling car’ (10%).
A fifth also claim they respect neighbours for their recycling habits more so than their wealth.
Bulb's spokesperson added, ‘Electric cars are going to play a vital role in the transition to net zero, and we want to make owning one simple and affordable.
‘With Bulb’s EV product, our members get 100% renewable electricity as standard, cheaper charging rates overnight, and can manage everything to do with their car charging through the Bulb app.’
Bulb is launching its new product for drivers which will make owning an electric car seamless, providing 100% renewable electricity, cheaper charging at night, and tools to make sure their car is always charged.
TOP 20 THINGS WE NOW ASPIRE TO:
1. Using only or mostly renewable energy.
2. Having a low (or lower) carbon footprint.
3. Having a vegetable patch.
4. Driving an electric vehicle.
5. Getting a renewable off grid energy source eg ground source heat pump or solar panels.
6. Having a raised plant bed.
7. Having a compost heap.
8. Being able to afford extravagant holidays.
9. Owning a holiday home.
10. Flying first class in a plane.
11. Having a self-sufficient smallholding.
12. Buying a bigger TV or sound system.
13. Owning a sheep, cow, goat or chickens.
14. Subscribing to sustainable food produce eg wonky veg boxes.
15. Having a swimming pool at home.
16. Buying a hot tub.
17. Owning a farm.
18. Owning a 4x4 or SUV.
19. Flying in a private jet.
20. Owing expensive jewellery.