Good news! A third of UK households have become greener since the start of lockdown, with many making greater efforts to recycle more, turn the lights off and swap baths for shorter showers.

A new study, which was commissioned by Princes Fish, found that 27% of people have been cutting back on food waste, while 22% now wash clothes at a lower temperature to reduce their environmental impact.

Brilliantly, too, the research found 28% have been cooking from scratch and upcycling household items, while a further 29% have been cycling or walking to places rather than driving.

Interestingly, more than half of those in the study admitted they never used to take sustainability seriously, but, since the start of lockdown, have made a change to do good. It might have taken an international pandemic, but these positive planet-friendly attitudes are a step in the right direction.

"As the research shows, families around the UK have come together to be more sustainable during the past six months. It's great to see that families really care about the environment and make it a priority within their busy lives," Mat Lowery, commercial director at Princes, said.

"We know that small steps can make a huge difference so everything that we do as a nation to be 'greener' can have a really positive impact."

Take a look at the full findings below...

20 ways Brits have become greener in 2020

1. Sorting the recycling more carefully

2. Turning unused lights off

3. Making sure they put the recycling out every week

4. Taking more care to rinse and clean recyclables

5. Using up leftovers to cut down on food waste

6. Only filling the kettle with as much water as needed

7. Making sure taps aren't left running needlessly

8. Cutting down on meat

9. Cycling or walking to places rather than driving, where possible

10. Upcycling household items

11. Cooking in batches to cut down on food waste

healthy cookingpinterest
Kristina Vianello//Getty Images

12. Monitoring the heating/making sure it's not on needlessly

13. Eating everything on their plates

14. Having a shower rather than a bath

15. Turning electrics off at the socket

16. Buying canned food and frozen food to cut down on food waste

17. Washing clothes at low temperatures

18. Eating more sustainably produced foods

19. Home growing fruit and vegetables

20. Using eco-friendly cleaning products

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Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.