A guide to the UK’s latest sustainability trends

Global warming is rapidly becoming a top concern for people living in the UK. Indeed, data shows that 75 per cent of adults in the UK are worried about climate change. With rising temperatures and more extreme weather predicted in the future, evidenced by the recent heatwave which included the UK’s hottest day on record, it is a justified concern. As a result, many people are attempting to safeguard the planet and our way of life by lowering their individual impact on the environment. Do your bit to slow global warming with these four easy lifestyle changes, from using green energy to shopping sustainably.

Green energy

Green energy is one of the big sustainability trends in the UK. On a macro scale, this can be seen in the government pledging to get to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. You can see this in action on a micro scale too as homeowners invest in upgrading their heating system to make their property more energy efficient. Consumers are also turning towards electric cars as an alternative to traditional carbon-emitting combustion engines. You can expect green energy to continue to be a leading eco-trend in the UK.

Climatarian diets

Around 35 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions originate from food and drink production. This is due to the carbon consumption involved in producing food – particularly in the meat and dairy industries – as well as the miles involved in importing food from across the world. In response, many people in the UK are taking up climatarian diets which involve prioritising locally sourced food and following a primarily plant-based diet. This can be a substantial commitment but is one of the best things you can do to lower your carbon footprint and reduce your overall environmental impact.

Sustainable fashion

Fast fashion is particularly damaging to the environment and to society. It involves a massive carbon output across the world while exploiting workforces in poor conditions too. In response, consumers in the UK are pivoting towards more ethical purchasing choices. This can be achieved by choosing to shop with local brands that have trusted production processes or by buying used or refurbished clothes from dedicated outlets.

Ethical finance

Lastly, the latest UK sustainability trends also include a shift towards ethical finance. Consumers are now looking to spend and entrust their money with banks that have a trusted green policy – i.e., invest their money in sustainable and responsible ways. Moreover, consumers are also checking the ethics of the businesses they shop with. If you have a substandard environmental policy, it is likely that you will soon begin to lose once-loyal customers. As a result, many companies are looking to improve their green credentials and highlight these to potential consumers in adverts and product information details.