Half of Brits try to live a greener lifestyle – but admit it goes out the window when it comes to their beloved mealtimes.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed two-thirds (67%) consider themselves to be eco-friendly – but 55% are still happy to eat items which could have a negative impact on the environment.
Just a third (35%) have cut back on foods they deem to be bad for the planet – with chocolate, milk and chicken the top items people would struggle to quit for a greener alternative.
Cheese, eggs, sausages and bacon are also among the foods the nation would find it hard to go without, despite the negative implications.
At least three-quarters (75%) of people said they care about what happens to their food waste, with half checking use-by and best-before dates to reduce what they throw away.
Only 5% admitted they do not take any measures to help reduce their food wastage.
Despite the reluctance to make a switch to greener eating habits, over half of adults (51%) have cut back on using plastic or non-recyclable materials in the kitchen.
And 80% pay more attention than ever to packaging and how environmentally friendly it is.
It also emerged nearly two-thirds (64%) make an effort to buy recyclable and eco-friendly kitchen products on a regular basis.
A spokesman for MasterClass, producers of innovative and practical cook and bakeware, which commissioned the research, said: “It’s encouraging to see so many people trying to do their bit to help the environment – but it seems many hit a stumbling block when it comes to mealtimes.
“Changing habits isn’t an easy task, but even making small alterations can make a real difference.
“Whether it’s cutting back on a food item which leaves an impact on the planet during its production process, or simply paying more attention to what the items you buy are made of, it’s a small step to reducing your impact on the planet.”
The study also found 78% try to buy products which are responsibly sourced, with 22% specifically shopping for kitchen utensils made out of recycled materials.
Nearly four in ten (37%) also try to buy recyclable and eco-friendly cleaning products, helping to reduce their household’s carbon footprint.
But two-thirds of respondents (64%) said the main thing holding them back from becoming more eco-friendly was cost.
Greater knowledge and information (40%) and increased convenience (38%) also ranked highly as factors to help increase eco-friendliness.
It also emerged over three-quarters (77%) of those polled, via OnePoll, are concerned about the impact humans are having on the planet and the environment, with 44% believing people need to do more to reduce their footprint.
Among the main causes for concern were global climate change (59%) and pollution (50%).
The MasterClass spokesman added: “By ensuring we take action to reduce our waste and reuse materials where possible, we’re consciously making a proactive effort to do our bit.
“For example, recycled aluminium from discarded drinks cans makes up to 70% of our Can-to-Pan saucepan and frying pan range, while our Eco-Snap storage range is made from recycled plastic bottles.
“The findings show there’s a desire among the nation to do our bit when it comes to helping the environment.”
