Press release, Wednesday 22nd July 2020
E N V I R O N M E N TA L AT T I T U D E S I N A C O V I D W O R L D - P O L L I N G R E S U LT S The following document summarises the results for the recent polling questions that examines environmental attitudes in a Covid world, with a specific focus on:
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Littering/fly-tipping (Q1 to Q10)
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Plastic pollution (Q11 to Q17)
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Gardening/water saving (Q18 to Q23)
Polling of 3,006 representative UK adults by Censuswide took place between 3rd and 6th July 2020. 23 questions were asked. For the section on gardening/water saving, Q18 to Q23 were open only to the respondents with a garden (defined as “anywhere you keep plants”). This amounted to 2,146 respondents. The document outlines the key statistics from the research.
R E S E A R C H R E S U L T S – L I T T E R I N G / F LY - T I P P I N G Q1. Which of the following best describes how often you have dropped any litter or left any behind anywhere other than in a bin since lockdown measures eased at the start of June?
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85% of respondents have not dropped any litter or left any litter behind anywhere other than a bin since lockdown measures eased at the start of June.
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This rises to 97% amongst those aged 55+ and drops to 65% amongst those aged 1624, so over a third of under 25s admit dropping litter since the start of June.
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Men are almost twice as likely to litter as women, with 20% of men saying that they have, compared with 11% of women.
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Londoners are most likely to litter – 26% say they have, followed by 24% in the West Midlands, wither the majority of other regions coming in between 9% and 12%
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8% have dropped litter once or twice since lockdown measures eased; 4% have done so once a week; 2% have done so two or three times a week. Just over 1% have done
so most days or every day. For under 25s, 1 in 6 have dropped litter at least once a week.
Q2. What sort of litter have you dropped or left behind anywhere other than in a bin? (Tick all that apply)
• Tissues top the list of most dropped items of litter • Of those who have dropped litter, 11% have dropped disposal face masks. (see details below) Of those who have dropped litter or left any behind anywhere other than in a bin:
• 31% have dropped tissues • 24% have dropped cigarettes butts • 22% have dropped plastic bottles • 22% have dropped drink cans • 19% have dropped plastic bags • 18% have dropped other food packaging • 16% have dropped takeaway wrappers/boxes • 11% have dropped disposable face masks • 4% have dropped other items, including chewing gum, fruit, paper receipts. Q3. Why have you dropped litter or left it behind? (Tick all that apply) The most common reason for dropping litter is because nearby bins were full (30% of respondents answered this) or because the respondents couldn’t see a bin nearby (also 30%). (see details below) Of those you have dropped litter or left any behind anywhere other than in a bin:
• 30% did so because the bins were full • 30% did so because they couldn’t see a bin nearby • 22% did so because they thought their litter wouldn’t make a difference as there was already a lot of litter around
• 21% did so because they didn’t want to carry their litter around • 17% did so because there are people who are paid to pick litter up
• 10% did so because they don’t care about litter • 7% said other: most said it was accidental, or the wind blew it away. Q4. During the first stages of lockdown (up to the end of May, before people were allowed to meet with members of other households outdoors), what did you notice about the amount of littering/fly-tipping in your local area?
• 42% (41.58%) of respondents noticed that littering/fly-tipping had increased - either significantly (19.49%) or slightly (22.09%).
• 18% say there had been no change to the amount of littering/fly-tipping in their local area.
• 16% noticed that littering/fly-tipping had either significantly or slightly decreased. • 24% didn’t notice notice anything about the amount of littering/fly-tipping in their local area.
Q5. Since lockdown measures have started to ease in the UK (from 1st June, when people were allowed to meet with members of other households outdoors), what have you noticed about the amount of littering/fly-tipping in your local area?
• 48% (48.10%) of respondents have noticed that littering/fly-tipping has increased either significantly (22.46%) or slightly (25.65%).
• 21% say there has been no change to the amount of littering/fly-tipping in their local area.
• 8% have noticed that littering/fly-tipping has either significantly or slightly decreased. • 24% haven’t noticed anything about the amount of littering/fly-tipping in their local area.
Q6. Where have you particularly noticed an increase in littering/fly-tipping in your local areas? (Tick all that apply) Of those who have noticed an increase in littering/ fly-tipping in their local areas since lockdown measures have started to ease in the UK:
• 58% say they’ve noticed an increase in the streets. A higher proportion of people in Greater London have noticed this (67%) than in any other region. The lowest proportion is in the South West with 50%.
• 51% have noticed an increase in parks. A higher proportion of people in Greater
London, East Midlands and West Midlands have noticed this (all on 58%). The lowest proportion is in the North East and in Northern Ireland (both with 33%).
• 43% have noticed an increase in the local countryside. A higher proportion of people
in Wales have noticed this (59%) and Northern Ireland (57%). The lowest proportion is (perhaps not surprisingly!) Greater London (20%) followed by West Midlands (39%).
• 26% have noticed an increase on beaches. A higher proportion of people in Wales have noticed this (45%) and South West (44%). The lowest proportion is (again, perhaps not surprisingly!) East Midlands and Yorkshire & the Humber (both 17%).
• Just under 3% have noticed an increase elsewhere, e.g. in alleyways, by takeaways, riversides, roadsides.
Q7. What sort of litter have you noticed has increased? (Tick all that apply) The top five items of litter people have noticed has increased are various types of food and drink packaging and face masks. (see details below) Of those who have noticed an increase in littering/ fly-tipping in their local areas since lockdown measures have started to ease in the UK:
• 67% have noticed an increase in drink cans being littered • 63% have noticed plastic bottles • 60% have noticed takeaway wrappers/boxes • 49% have noticed other food packaging • 48% have noticed disposal face masks • 48% have noticed plastic bags • 37% have noticed cigarette butts • 30% have noticed tissues • 9% have noticed an increase in other items, such as disposal gloves, furniture, beer bottles, garden waste and general household waste.
Q8. When you see littering/fly-tipping in person or in photos, how does it make you feel? (Tick all that apply)
• 75% of respondents feel angry that people show such disregard for their local environment.
• 44% are concerned about the impact on nature and the local environment. • 20% feel helpless, as they don’t feel there’s anything they can do to change it. • 5% say it doesn’t make them feel anything. • Under 2% feel other things, such as frustrated, disgusted, annoyed.
Q9. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
• Over half (51%) of people agree* there was so little litter or fly-tipping during the initial stages of lockdown it made them appreciate nature more.
• 60% agree* the amount of litter/fly-tipping bothers them now more than ever before as during lockdown they got to see how their local environment could look without it.
• 66% agree* the state of their local environment matters to them more now than ever before as they are spending much more time closer to home now.
• 83% agree* there should be much higher fines for people who drop litter or fly-tip. • 18% agree* with the statement “I can understand why people drop litter”. 70% disagree**.
*combined strongly agree and somewhat agree **combined strongly disagree and somewhat disagree
Q10. Who do you think is most responsible for reducing litter/fly-tipping?
• 75% of people say that individuals are responsible for reducing litter/fly-tipping. • 13% say councils and local government are responsible. • 5% say businesses. • 3% don’t think anyone is most responsible.
R E S E A R C H R E S U LT S – P L A S T I C P O L L U T I O N Q11. How more or less concerned would you say you are about plastic pollution since the start of Covid-19?
• 43% are more concerned about plastic pollution than before Covid-19 (19% are a lot more concerned; 24% slightly more concerned)
• The younger generations are more likely to feel concerned with 52% of those aged 1624 feeling concerned (23% are a lot more concerned; 29% slightly more concerned) and 50% of those aged 25-34 compared with 38% of those aged 45-54 or 35% of those aged 55+
• Only 5% are slightly less or a lot less concerned than before Covid-19. Interestingly,
10% of 16-24 say they are slightly less or a lot less concerned than before Covid-19, showing a higher proportion at both ends of the spectrum (more concerned and less concerned) for this age group.
• 53% say their concerns haven’t changed. This is slightly less for those aged 16-24 at 37%.
Q12. Why would you say you are less concerned about plastic pollution now than before Covid-19? (Tick all that apply) Of those who said they are less concerned:
• 25% say it’s because there are now too many bigger issues than plastic pollution going on in the world
• 21% say they have too many important personal concerns to think about • 17% say the environment seems to be faring so much better due to fewer flights and cars on the road that plastic pollution seems less of an issue
• 17% say plastic is essential to safety and hygiene products and these are more important than plastic pollution right now
• 13% say plastic pollution isn’t in the news as much, so it makes them think about it less • 11% say the people they are talking about plastic pollution less, so it seems less of an issue
• 10% say they are so much busier in their life that they don’t have time to be concerned about plastic pollution.
Q13. Since the onset of Covid-19 which of the following best describes the amount of single-use plastic you have been using?
• 51% say there has been no change to the amount of single use plastic they are using
(41% of those aged 16-24 vs. 58% of those aged 45-54 and 58% of those aged 55+).
• 27% say the amount has slightly or significantly decreased (25% of those aged 16-24 vs. 30% of those aged 55+).
• 22% say the amount has slightly or significantly increased (34% of those aged 16-24 and those aged 25-43 vs. 13% of those aged 55+).
Q14. Why would you say you have been using more single-use plastic since the onset of Covid-19? (Tick all that apply) Safety/hygiene and availability seem to be the main reasons for some respondents using more single use plastic since the onset of Covid-19. Of those whose single plastic use has increased since the onset of Covid-19:
• 35% say it’s harder to avoid using single-use plastics as many businesses are using them more or have gone back to using them.
• 28% are buying more hygiene items e.g. masks and gloves that are made of single-use plastic.
• 27% say it takes much more effort to avoid single-use plastics now as they are being
used in more places.
• 26% want to continue buying environmentally friendly products but these are harder to find as they can’t shop as they normally would.
• 17% find plastic items are safer and more hygienic.
• For 17% of respondents, there are fewer places to refill their reusable coffee cup or water bottle.
• 16% don’t think it’s safe to use reusable items e.g. coffee cup, water bottle.
• Of the 4% who responded ‘other’, the majority mentioned that they’ve had to use online shopping more and that the deliveries (or click and collect) comes in too many plastic bags
Q15. What, if anything, have you done since the onset of Covid-19 that you wouldn`t have done before because of your concerns about plastic pollution/single use plastic? (Tick all that apply)
• 36% say they haven’t done anything since the onset of Covid-19 that they wouldn’t have done before.
• 34% say they have used anti-bacterial wipes or similar.
• 22% say they have used single-use plastic hygiene items e.g. masks, gloves. • 17% say they have bought fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic. • 13% say they’ve accepted/used single use plastic bags in shops.
• 11% have thrown away plastic carrier bags/other recyclables plastic items in general rubbish.
• 8% have accepted single-use coffee cups from café/other outlet. • 8% have bought takeaway drinks in single-use plastic bottles.
• 7% have used single-use plastic cutlery or glasses e.g. for outdoor gatherings. Q16. Which of the following do you plan to stop using once the threat of Covid-19 is reduced? Single use plastic bags:
• 51% of respondents don’t currently use single use plastic bags in shops
• 15% currently use them, but they didn’t before Covid-19 and will stop again
• 19% currently use them and did so before Covid-19, but they plan to stop in the future • Only 15% of respondents plan to keep using these Single use coffee cup from café/outlet:
• 58% of respondents don’t currently use single use coffee cup from café/outlet • 12% currently use them, but they didn’t before Covid-19 and will stop again
• 17% currently use them and did so before Covid-19, but they plan to stop in the future
• Only 14% of respondents plan to keep using these Takeaway drinks in single-use plastic bottles:
• 52% of respondents don’t currently buy takeaway drinks in single-use plastic bottles • 11% currently use them, but they didn’t before Covid-19 and will stop again
• 19% currently use them and did so before Covid-19, but they plan to stop in the future • 17% of respondents plan to keep using these Fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic:
• 28% of respondents don’t currently buy fruit and veg wrapped in plastic
• 14% currently use them, but they didn’t before Covid-19 and will stop again
• 29% currently use them and did so before Covid-19, but they plan to stop in the future • 28% of respondents plan to keep using these
Single-use plastic cutlery or glasses e.g. for outdoor gatherings:
• 67% of respondents don’t currently use single-use plastic cutlery or glasses e.g. for outdoor gatherings
• 10% currently use them, but they didn’t before Covid-19 and will stop again
• 13% currently use them and did so before Covid-19, but they plan to stop in the future • 10% of respondents plan to keep using these
Single-use plastic hygiene items e.g. masks, gloves:
• 37% of respondents don’t currently use single-use hygiene items e.g. masks, gloves • 26% currently use them, but they didn’t before Covid-19 and will stop again
• 17% currently use them and did so before Covid-19, but they plan to stop in the future • 19% of respondents plan to keep using these Anti-bacterial wipes or similar:
• 23% of respondents don’t currently use anti-bacterial wipes or similar
• 19% currently use them, but they didn’t before Covid-19 and will stop again
• 19% currently use them and did so before Covid-19, but they plan to stop in the future • 39% of respondents plan to keep using these
Q17. Thinking about life since the onset of Covid-19, to what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
• 45% of respondents agree* they feel they are offsetting their increased plastic usage by being kinder to the environment in other way e.g. using the car less, not going on flights this year. This rises to 55% for those aged 16-24 and 52% for those aged 35-44 vs. those aged 45-54 and 55+ (both 38%)
• 35% agree* that businesses care as much about plastic pollution now as they did before while 25% disagree
• 34% say the government cares as much about plastic pollution now as it did before while 26% disagree
• 68% say that if government policy changes can be made so quickly to protect our health, there is no reason why such changes can’t be quickly made to protect the environment. 7% disagree with this statement
• 59% say they plan to reduce their plastic usage once the pandemic is over and normal life resumes
• 53% say they feel guilty about using more single-use plastic. 14% disagree with this statement.
*combined strongly agree and somewhat agree **combined strongly disagree and somewhat disagree
Q18. How has the amount of gardening/growing you have done changed since the onset of Covid-19? 43% of respondents are doing more gardening now than before Covid-19, either because they have started gardening (12%) or are doing more gardening now than they did before (31%). (see details below)
• 31% have always done some gardening/growing and say they are doing more now • 29% are not doing any gardening/growing • 26% have always done some gardening/growing and say they are doing the same now • 12% have started gardening/growing for the first time. The highest proportion of ‘new gardeners’ is to be found amongst those aged 16-24 and 25-34 (both 21%) compared with 8% of the 45-54 and 6% of the 55+
• Less than 3% have always done some gardening/growing but say they are doing less now
Q19. What, if anything, have you done to reduce the amount of water your garden/ plants need? (Tick all that apply)
• The three most common answers are watering early in the morning/late in the evening
to avoid water evaporating (39% of respondents), collecting rainwater in buckets (29%) and avoiding using a hosepipe (24%).
• 15% of respondents say they haven’t done anything to reduce the amount of water their garden needs.
(see details below) Of those who do gardening or growing:
• 39% water early in the morning/late in the evening to avoid the water evaporating • 29% collect rainwater in buckets or other receptacles and use them to water the garden • 24% avoid using a hosepipe to water the garden • 21% have installed a water butt • 20% avoid using a sprinkler on their lawn/plants • 16% use leftover water from washing the dishes to water the garden; 15% use leftover water from cooking and 12% use leftover water from baths or showers.
• Only 15% say they haven’t done anything to reduce the amount of water their garden needs
• 13% say they have chosen plants that need less water • 10% have left their lawn / plants go brown • 7% have replaced the lawn with astroturf, paving or decking • 4% use vegetable dye to keep the lawn green instead of watering it so much. Q20. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Of those who do gardening or growing:
• 56% agree* they worry that if they don’t water their garden frequently all their gardening/growing effort will have gone to waste.
• Half of respondents agree* the dry weather we’ve had this year has made them more aware of the amount of water they use in their garden.
• 27% agree* they feel guilty about the amount of water they use in their garden. 42% disagree**, meaning they don’t feel guilty.
• 34% agree* they worry more than usual about the amount of water they’re using in their
garden as they’re also using a lot of hand-washing due to Covid-19. 32% disagree**, meaning they do not worry more than usual about this.
• 49% agree* they want to learn more about saving water in their garden. • 26% agree* they don’t know where to find information about how to save water in their garden. 43% disagree** with this statement.
• 37% agree* that we get plenty of rain in the UK, so it’s not a problem if they have to use a lot of water in the garden when it’s dry.
• 54% agree* they are concerned about the potential for water shortages in the future. Only 16% disagree**.
*combined strongly agree and somewhat agree **combined strongly disagree and somewhat disagree
Q21. If there is a hosepipe ban in your area will you stop using a hosepipe or sprinkler in your garden? Of those who do gardening or growing:
• 67% of respondents said they would stop using a hosepipe with:
- 52% saying they will water the garden with a watering can or something else instead
- 15% saying they won’t water the garden at all.
• 22% don’t use a hosepipe or sprinkler. • However, over 1 in 10 are set to defy a hosepipe ban - 11% say they would continue to use a hosepipe with:
- 6% saying nobody else follows bans like this, so why should they?
- 5% saying there is plenty of rain and it shouldn’t be up to individuals to reduce water usage.
Q22. In the event of water shortages, who do you think should be asked to reduce water usage first? (Tick up to three)
• The most common answers are car washes (61% of respondents think they should
reduce water usage first) followed by golf courses (52%), gyms/leisure facilities (24%), households (24%) and large estates (19%).
• 5% of respondents don’t think anyone should be asked to reduce water usage first. • Farms/nurseries (4%) and hospitals (3%) are the least likely to be chosen by
respondents as having to reduce water usage first. (see details below)
Car washes
60.72%
Golf courses
51.82%
Gyms/leisure facilities
24.18%
Households
24.18%
Large estates
19.34%
Manufacturing businesses
11.37%
Schools/colleges
5.68%
Food businesses
5.64%
I don’t know
5.50%
I don’t think anyone should be asked to reduce water usage first
5.27%
Farms/nurseries
4.33%
Hospitals
3.08%
Other (please specify)
0.61%
Q23. If there is a hosepipe ban who would you consider to be most responsible for this? (Tick up to three)
• The most common answers are water companies (28%), car washes (20%), Government (18%), households (18%).
• 17% of respondents wouldn’t consider anyone to be most responsible for a hosepipe ban.
• The least common answers are farms/nurseries (5%), food businesses (4%), schools/colleges (3%), hospitals (3%).
(see details below)
Water companies
28.05%
Car washes
20.32%
Government
18.17%
Households
18.17%
I wouldn’t consider anyone to be most responsible for this
16.59%
Local authorities
16.31%
Golf courses
15.89%
I don’t know
9.23%
Manufacturing businesses
9.18%
Large estates
8.57%
Gyms/leisure facilities
6.15%
Farms/nurseries
4.61%
Food businesses
3.68%
Schools/colleges
2.94%
Hospitals
2.66%
Other (please specify)
0.98%
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