Research Shows Economic Downturn Having Positive Impact On The Environment

25/5/09

The economic downturn is having a positive impact on the environment with 68% of Brits trying to be more energy efficient in a bid to save money.

New research from Yorkshire Bank has revealed that people are now taking positive steps to reduce their monthly bills AND the impact on the environment by turning down their heating, using the washing machine at a lower setting and changing to energy efficient light bulbs.

Yorkshire’s quarterly Housebuyers Report has highlighted that those in East Midlands and South West are setting the best example with 83% trying to be more energy efficient, whilst Londoners are lagging behind with only 45% saying they are making any positive changes.

Regional breakdown of those making more effort to be energy efficient:

• South West - 83% 
• East Midlands - 83%
• Yorkshire & Humberside - 82%
• East Anglia - 79%
• North East - 73%
• West Midlands - 72%
• Wales - 69%
• Scotland - 67%
• North West - 62%
• South East - 60%
• London - 45%

The research has also highlighted other innovative ways people are trying to save money. These range from making more effort to use leftover food to growing their own fruit and vegetables.

Other steps people are taking to save money :

• Staying in more rather than going out    49%
• Making more effort to use leftover food    47%
• Growing their own fruit and vegetables    16%
• Using the cobblers to mend shoes    16%
• Altering clothes to give them a new lease of life   11%

Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank’s Head of Retail, said: “The current economic situation has seen many people look at different ways to cut costs and reduce their outgoings. More than two thirds of those surveyed are taking steps to be more energy efficient, which is also good news for the environment.

“People are also returning to more traditional ways of saving money. There are a range of ways and products which can help you to make the most of your savings. Talk to Yorkshire Bank or visit us at www.ybonline.co.uk to find out more.”

The survey results come at the same time as Yorkshire Bank has become the first UK high street bank to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard for its efforts in tackling climate change. The bank was given the accolade after reducing its carbon footprint by almost 16% over 12 months. It aims to be entirely carbon neutral by September 2010.