Cost of living crisis stopping Scottish households from taking climate action

• Recent weather events, such as heatwaves, floods and fires in the UK this year, have made three fifths (60%) of adults across Scotland more concerned about climate change
• A third (32%) think that it’s too expensive to live more sustainably creating a barrier to climate action, despite 78% of adults in Scotland being concerned about climate change
• Three in ten (29%) are more concerned with their energy bills as opposed to living sustainably

Recent weather events across the UK this year, such as heatwaves, floods and fires, have made three fifths (60%) of people in Scotland more concerned about climate change. A further 59% are also worried about weather reports from other countries, including in Australia and America, according to new research from mutual life and pensions company Royal London.

More than half (55%) have also said that ongoing media coverage has had an impact on their climate change concerns – and 49% said that having children and grandchildren has made them more worried about climate change.

This has spurred many to act and live more sustainably in the last 12 months. Most popular planned changes include reducing plastic usage (56%), shopping locally (49%), driving less (38%), and consuming less meat and dairy (35%).

However, the cost of living crisis is making it difficult for people in Scotland to act on climate change.

With the majority (83%) of adults in Scotland concerned about the cost of living, 29% are understandably more concerned with their energy bills as opposed to living sustainably. Many people are taking cost-saving measures this autumn and winter with a quarter (25%) planning to buy fewer or cheaper Christmas presents.

Shockingly, nearly half (46%) plan to turn on their heating only when absolutely necessary this winter and one in seven (14%) adults say they are anticipating skipping meals. Sustainability is unlikely to be the priority with a third (32%) thinking that it’s too expensive to live more sustainably.

Royal London’s Changemakers Programme announces partnership with Remake Scotland, a Perthshire based social enterprise, which promotes the reuse of local materials

Set up in 2011 in the town of Crieff, Perthshire, Remake Scotland promotes sustainable living across the local area. Its projects and services, such as its repair cafes, second-hand store, and community tool library (holding more than 300 items for residents to borrow), encourages the local community to reuse materials and become increasingly self-sufficient.

Given its success and growth over the previous years, from a small organisation based in the founder’s own garage, Remake Scotland now seeks to further expand the range of its services to maximise its impact and help the community live sustainably.

As part of this goal, it hopes to work more with commercial partners to develop a second-hand brokerage service.

Each Changemaker participating in the programme will benefit from a £20,000 grant, as well as extensive business support from The School for Social Entrepreneurs, which will continue for two years, to support them with the development of a greener economy that benefits many. 

Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London, says: “Climate change and sustainability are issues which need addressing urgently. 

“Living sustainably doesn’t have to cost more and some measures, such as reducing the food and heat you waste, can save money. However, many of us need a helping hand to get started. 

“We believe that these inspiring social enterprises can provide real solutions to these issues, with innovation at their heart, which is why they’ve been chosen as our Changemakers this year. We are delighted to support people who are looking at new ways to ensure that a just transition and moving fairly to a sustainable world is a possibility for everyone.”

Amulree Welch, General Manager at Remake Scotland, says: “We know that the cost-of-living crisis is having a huge impact on our community, particularly in the lead up to Christmas.

“Remake are committed to supporting our community through this crisis and helping people to continue to live sustainably while also living affordably. We do this by providing low cost, second-hand supplies through our Reuse Hub including a wide range of second-hand Christmas gifts, providing free hire of over 300 different pieces of equipment through our Community Tool Library and providing package free, sustainable products through our Remake Refillery, which are price matched with Tesco.

“We know that the cost-of-living crisis will for many people be taking precedence over the larger global concern of the climate crisis, however we hope that by supporting people to make second hand their first choice this winter this will help people save money and the planet.”