A new study reveals the most common 'eco-sins' committed by Brits, from keeping the heating on in summer to indulging in fast fashion, despite acknowledging their environmental harm.
Lifestyle Lauren Edwards 09:46, 23 Apr 2025
A recent study has uncovered a list of 'eco-sins' frequently committed by Brits, despite the fact they consider them unsustainable and damaging to the environment. Among the most cited environmentally unfriendly behaviours are running the car engine while stationary, keeping home heating on during summer, and failing to refurbish or donate old electronics and clothing.
Other common habits include leaving the tap on while brushing teeth, boiling excess water for a single cup of tea, and indulging in fast fashion. Interestingly, 46% of respondents confess to still buying bottled water, while 41% choose driving over walking or cycling for short distances.
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While 67% admit to frequently committing these eco-sins, 42% report feeling guilty when they make unsustainable choices, with 17% vowing not to repeat their mistakes. Yet convenience often plays a major role, with four in 10 blaming ease and a further third citing cost as the reasons for their less eco-friendly decisions.
When it comes to technology, 29% of adults say owning the latest gadgets is 'important', with 35% admitting to purchasing a new device even if their current one is still in good working condition. Alarmingly, one in ten then admitted to discarding old tech in general waste bins instead of recycling.
Eco-lifestyle advocate and sustainability creator Charlie Gill, who has teamed up with refurbishment tech marketplace Back Market, said: “Trying to live a sustainable lifestyle can feel overwhelming at times, but it really doesn’t have to be.
“People do care, but they don’t know where to start. Even simple steps, like giving your old phone a second life instead of ditching it at the first sign of wear, can genuinely make a difference. It’s about doing what you can, when you can, and knowing that small actions really do add up.”
The research commissioned by Back Market, in honour of Earth Day, highlights that some 'eco-sins' are harder to quit than others. Eating meat and dairy is cited as the hardest habit to break (31%), followed by driving (22%) and indulging in long, hot showers (13%).
Luke Forshaw, head of brand at Back Market, stresses that even small changes can lead to big environmental gains, “It’s clear that many Brits are trying to be more environmentally conscious – but everyday decisions, particularly around tech, show how convenience often wins. The good news is that small changes can have a big impact."
“Extending the life of your tech - whether that’s repairing it, buying refurbished, or trading it in; is not only a great way to reduce your environmental footprint, but it can also save you money in the long run.
“And importantly, it’s a way to reduce the eco-guilt many of us feel - because making better choices doesn’t have to be complicated. It just takes one small step in the right direction.”
TOP 20 ‘ECO SINS’:
- Leaving lights on in empty rooms
- Throwing recyclables in the general waste bin
- Flushing things like wipes or cotton buds down the toilet
- Wasting food by letting it go off in the fridge
- Letting the tap run while brushing teeth
- Using single-use plastic bags instead of reusable ones
- Leaving the car engine on while parked
- Overfilling the kettle for one cup of tea
- Having the heating on during summer
- Driving a car for a journey that could be walked in under 10 minutes
- Buying bottled water instead of using a refillable bottle
- Using a tumble dryer instead of air-drying clothes
- Leaving chargers plugged in even when not in use
- Washing clothes too frequently when they’re not dirty
- Leaving electronics on standby overnight
- Buying fast fashion items
- Not donating or refurbishing old clothes and electronics
- Throwing away unwanted tech items
- Taking flights for short domestic trips instead of the train
- Taking multiple short showers a day
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