Over-55s are leading the way when it comes to green living, a new study reveals today.
Research from Aviva finds that UK people aged 55+ are more likely to recycle their waste (84%), avoid single-use-plastic (66%) and buy only seasonal fruit and vegetables (47%), compared to UK adults in any other age group.
A survey of c.4,000 UK adults found that when asked about climate-conscious actions, in almost every category, over-55s were most likely to be taking steps already.
Their behaviours also include shopping at local stores (63%) using LED light bulbs (88%) and growing their own vegetables (37%).
One notable exception relates to people adopting a vegan diet. Over-55s are least likely to be vegan, at just 2% of this age group, while 9% of under-25s say they eat a purely plant-based diet.
| Activity to reduce environmental impact | 16-24 years | 25-34 years | 35-44 years | 45-54 years | 55+ years | All age groups |
| Recycling through local bin collections | 54% | 66% | 71% | 79% | 84% | 73% |
| Giving unwanted items to charity shops | 55% | 57% | 64% | 74% | 76% | 67% |
| Avoiding single-use plastic items | 55% | 54% | 58% | 66% | 66% | 61% |
| Turning down the thermostat at home | 44% | 49% | 59% | 67% | 68% | 59% |
| Buying second-hand items / up-cycling | 38% | 40% | 43% | 42% | 37% | 40% |
| Using energy-saving LED light bulbs | 59% | 72% | 78% | 85% | 88% | 78% |
| Eating only seasonal fruit and vegetables | 33% | 35% | 43% | 42% | 47% | 40% |
| Reducing car usage | 26% | 31% | 33% | 36% | 38% | 34% |
| Planting trees / growing own vegetables | 23% | 25% | 28% | 32% | 37% | 30% |
| Reducing meat eaten in household | 31% | 28% | 33% | 32% | 34% | 32% |
| Buying from local suppliers | 41% | 45% | 52% | 57% | 63% | 54% |
| Reducing plane travel | 21% | 18% | 20% | 22% | 24% | 22% |
| Becoming vegan | 9% | 8% | 6% | 3% | 2% | 5% |
Environmental consciousness is also influencing which brands UK adults choose, with two thirds (68%) more likely to pick brands with sustainable or climate-aware credentials.
Zelda Bentham, Group Head of Sustainability for Aviva says: “Green living and climate-conscious behaviours are often seen as the domain of the young, but this research suggests that older people are quietly leading the charge and taking steps to care for the planet.
“Whether we’re reducing plastic, growing our own food or reducing how often we travel - or even what we purchase or how we invest our money - we can all take small steps which can add up to a big difference.”
Aviva is also taking actions to make its own contribution to tackling climate change:
- For Aviva home contents claims, all white goods replacements are A or AA energy efficient and boilers are AA or A grade.
- The insurer offers a paperless option for customers on sales and renewals documents.
- Solar panels are covered as standard in Aviva buildings policies.
- Aviva was the first financial services company to become carbon-neutral in 2006.
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Sarah Poulter
UK External Communications
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Notes to editors:
- We are the UK's leading diversified insurer and we operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. We also have international investments in India and China.
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