New research reveals 61% of Cardiff residents report living sustainably as “too expensive”

• New research from GoodMove reveals that a whopping 60% of Brits at least try to live a more sustainable lifestyle, with a further 26% actively living a sustainable lifestyle
• 75% of Cardiff residents report trying to make more sustainable decisions, with a further 10% actively living a sustainable lifestyle
• The main obstacles for Cardiff residents include financial cost (61%), lack of convenience (33%), and other priorities (24%)

With news around sustainability dominating the media more and more, new research by regulated property buyers, GoodMove, reveals just how sustainable Cardiff residents really are!

When it comes to adopting sustainable habits 75% of Brits in Cardiff report making sustainable decisions when they can, with a further 10% actively living a sustainable lifestyle.

So, what prevents Cardiff residents from living sustainably, and just what small lifestyle changes can they make? GoodMove worked with sustainability expert David Grayson of Spaciable to reveal just that.

Over 61% of Cardiff respondents report that sustainable decisions can be “too expensive”

When asked what prevents them from making sustainable decisions, they revealed:

• It’s too expensive (61%)
• Lack of convenience (33%)
• Other priorities (24%)

33% of respondents cited lack of convenience, with many people outlining factors such as “lack of sustainable products in local shops” and “problems with rubbish disposal in my area”.

However, the largest barrier for Cardiff residents is the belief that living more sustainably can be too expensive (61%). Although according to sustainability expert David Grayson this is a misconception.

“Sustainable choices can be as simple and cost-free as planning meals ahead of shopping to ensure minimal food waste or buying from charity shops (and why not put the saved money over time towards that heat pump?!).

“It’s also worth remembering that many of the more expensive sustainable choices could be viewed as an investment that will help offset energy bills through lower running costs, while adding value to a property.”

What actions can Cardiff residents take to live more sustainably?

There are many ways you can make more climate-friendly decisions. Brits in Cardiff report the following actions, that help make a difference:

• I recycle and reuse materials when I can (80%)
• Reduce food waste (67%)
• Reduce water waste (62%)

Unsurprisingly, recycling is the most common way that Cardiff residents combat sustainability (80%), while reducing food waste (67%) and reducing water waste (62%) have become habitual for Cardiff residents.

Despite this, WRAP reports the UK wastes the equivalent of 4.5m tonnes of food waste³, though Grayson reveals some savvy sustainability tips to lessen your household output.

“Plan meals and shopping trips, use food that will go out of date first and don’t be confused between ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates. Freeze food if you don’t think you’ll be able to eat it in time. Even better, if you have a garden, try out your own compost bin.”

If you’re looking to do a bit of DIY this winter season upcycling is a great way to liven up your home. Grayson suggests that websites such as Freegle, Freecycle, Preloved, Facebook Marketplace and charity shops are all great outlets for passing on and acquiring items.

“Many local communities have great re-use/upcycling charities in operation, whereby they collect unwanted items, renovate them if necessary, and sell them – often at a discount to low-income households.”

Commenting on the research Nima Ghasri, chartered surveyor, and director, of GoodMove says: “Over the next few years we expect sustainable retrofits in properties to be in big demand, and according to the data a third of Brits have already invested in home insulation which looks promising!

“It’s encouraging to see that Brits in Cardiff are actively putting in efforts such as recycling and reducing food waste to live more sustainably. However, we hope our tips will help residents integrate even more sustainable habits into their lifestyle, not only helping to save the environment – but on their bills too!”

For more information on the survey and living sustainably please visit: https://goodmove.co.uk/blog/how-to-live-more-sustainably/