New survey by YouGov for Good Earth organic teas reveals intentions

Although 72 per cent of the British public will be making New Year resolutions this year, just six per cent of people say that becoming greener or more environmentally friendly is the most important kind of resolution.

This is according to a new survey conducted by the research company YouGov amongst 2,111 adults nationwide, commissioned by Good Earth organic teas, which has a new range of organic teas exclusive to Waitrose that are made in a way that is kind to the environment. The flavoursome organic teas cost £1.89 for 18 tea bags and include ingredients that have health-giving properties.

A quarter of the population believe that getting fit is the most important type of New Year resolution, followed by ‘generally being a better person and getting on better with family, friends and colleagues’ (14 per cent). The third most significant kind of resolution is ‘getting better organised eg finishing DIY projects’ (8 per cent), while ‘becoming greener eg more environmentally friendly’ (6 per cent) and ‘getting out more and being more sociable’ (6 per cent) get joint fourth place.

While turning green is not the most important kind of resolution, 71 per cent of us are worried about the environment. When asked, the most popular resolution was ‘switching off more lights and generally using less electricity’, cited by four out of ten people. A third of the population say that they will recycle more (36 per cent) and a similar number say they will ‘make sure that less household food and drink goes to waste’ (33 per cent). A quarter say they will ‘buy local produce when I can’ (26 per cent) and a similar number say that they intend ‘filling the kettle properly by not boiling more water than necessary’ (25 per cent).

Walking or cycling and using public transport more rather than using a car is the sixth most popular plan, confirmed by 21 per cent of people, followed by composting food waste (16 per cent), and getting things repaired rather than replacing them (15 per cent). Buying and eating more organic food and produce is popular with 12 per cent of the population. Surprisingly perhaps, just five per cent of people intend to take fewer flights.

Too late to make a difference

When people were asked about their attitude to the environment, 71 per cent are worried or concerned, with the largest group (44 per cent) saying, ‘I am worried about the environment and I want to make some changes to help improve the planet in the future’.

Alarming to some will be the news that 8 per cent say that they are extremely worried about the future of the planet but think it is too late for anyone to make a difference.

Two in ten people (19 per cent) are concerned about the environment but are totally confused about what they should or should not do.

There is evidence of environmental apathy amongst 22 per cent of people. ‘I don’t feel strongly about the subject’ was noted by 11 per cent, while an equal number said, ‘the subject has got out of hand – I do not intend to make any changes to my lifestyle whatsoever’. Rather worryingly, a hardened two per cent said, ‘I’m fed up with the subject and go out of my way not to be green’.

Thinking about the New Year’s resolutions that you may be making soon…Which, if any, of the following do you think you are likely to include?
Switching off more lights and generally using less electricity (1) 41 %
Recycling more (2) 36%
Making sure that less household food and drink goes to waste (3) 33%
Buying local produce when I can (4) 26%
Filling the kettle properly by not boiling more water than necessary (5) 25%
Walking cycling and using public transport more rather than using a car (6) 21%
Composting food waste (7) 16%
Getting things repaired rather than replacing them (8) 15%
Buying and eating more organic food and produce (9) 12%
Taking fewer flights (10) 5%
Other 5
None of the above 9
N/A – I will not be making any New Year’s resolutions 29

Good Earth organic teas

Good Earth Organic Jasmine Blossom Green tea – This tea has a fragrant jasmine aroma and taste, married with the best green tea.

Good Earth Organic Red Tea Harvest Berries – This caffeine free tea is richly coloured with Red Rooibos that tastes like sweet vanilla combined with earthy notes and Hibiscus. This colourful combination also includes Elderberry, Cinnamon and Liquorice Root which provides a warm, toasted finishing note.

Good Earth Organic White Tea Sweet Citrus – This delicate tea is made with white Baimudan peony tea from China. White tea is the most exclusive of teas as it is made from the uppermost leaves of the tea plant, plucked by hand during the first few weeks of spring, then lightly steamed. The lemon and orange oil provide sweet notes while the rosehip provides a zingy infusion.

Good Earth Organic Green Tea Mango, Peach & Pineapple – This cosmopolitan blend uses the best green tea, lightly steamed for a smoother taste. Ideal for those who find regular green tea too harsh, the lemongrass makes the flavour smoother and Cassia (Cinnamon) adds spice notes, complemented by delicate Rose Petals.

Good Earth Organic Cool Mint Herbal Tea - This breath of fresh air for mind, body and soul includes peppermint to provide menthol notes, plus spearmint for the cooling after taste. The addition of nutmeg provides a hint of sweet spice.