Majority of adults will try to be more environmentally friendly this Christmas

64% of adults will try to be more environmentally friendly this Christmas compared to last, according to a new survey commissioned by WWF. 

WWF has labelled this the ‘COP26 effect,’ with recent news coverage encouraging the public to make more environmentally friendly choices. 

Changes that people are increasingly likely to make include:

• Opting for Christmas gifts that use less packaging (38%)
• Using LED lights on Christmas trees (30%)
• Purchasing FSC certified, recyclable wrapping paper and/or Christmas cards (30%).

The shift is particularly notable among younger people with seven in ten of those aged 18 to 34 (70%) who celebrate Christmas saying they will be trying to be more environmentally friendly this festive season.

These trends look set to continue into the New Year with 71% of UK adults reporting that they will try to be more environmentally friendly in 2022, and over a third (37%) of those polled saying they’ve been inspired to do this by recent coverage of the climate and natural crisis.

Kate Norgrove, Executive Director of Advocacy and Campaigns, at WWF, said: ‘It’s clear from this data that there’s been a tangible COP26 effect in the UK. Without urgent action, we’re facing a code red for the planet, and the public have heard that message loud and clear. People care and are ready to adjust their habits over the festive season to help tackle the twin threat of climate change and nature loss.

‘The UK Government must show it’s also ready to deliver on its climate and nature promises as it looks towards 2022. Committing to a net zero test to ensure government investments align with climate goals, strengthening measures to tackle deforestation and conversion in UK supply chains, and supporting farmers to become stewards of nature would signal that Ministers are prepared to match the public’s appetite for action.’