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Print articleProposals to introduce a 10p "throwaway tax" on plastic carrier bags, being charged to remove waste and the reduction in waste collections were found to be particularly irksome. One in four people did not want to pay for plastic bags at shops and supermarkets. About 50 percent of those surveyed disliked the idea of being charged for waste removal, and are unhappy with the reduction in waste collections.
With 98 percent of Brits saying that they are taking steps to make their home more environmentally friendly, the new findings suggest they want to make their own decisions and choices on how green to be.
The findings are part of Legal & General's "Changing Face of British Homes" research, which surveyed a British representative sample of over 4,000 adults. The following table highlights what is annoying Brits the most when it comes to enforced environmental measures:
| The most annoying green initiatives | % of Britons |
| Charging for waste removal | 54% |
| Reduced waste collections | 50% |
| Energy ratings as part of HIPs | 27% |
| Paying for plastic carrier bags | 23% |
| Water meters | 22% |
While both men and women are similarly annoyed, British men were found to be more irritated, 84 percent, than women, 80 percent. The research also found that older householders are coping less well with green initiatives - 85 percent of those aged 55 or over admitted to being annoyed by the implementation of green measures compared to only 74 percent of 18 to 24 year olds.
Despite frustrations at being forced to go green, many are keen to play their part at being environmentally friendly and voluntarily already take green steps in their homes:
| Steps we already take | % of Britons |
| Recycle rubbish | 83% |
| Turn off lights in empty rooms | 82% |
| Use low energy light bulbs | 72% |
| Use reusable shopping bags | 71% |
| Do not leave TV/electrical items on standby | 64% |
| Have double glazing or draft proofing | 37% |
| Share bath water | 27% |
| Installing extra loft insulation | 25% |
| Recycle rain water | 23% |
Ruth Wilkins, Head of communications at Legal & General's general insurance business, commented:
"While people are annoyed by the implementation of green initiatives the efforts being made to force residents to recycle more of their rubbish are beginning to pay off, with recycling rates jumping from 7 percent to 33 percent in the past ten years. Legal & General's recent research would support these findings as the 'Changing Face of British Homes' research shows that a large number of us are taking steps to become greener. Brits simply want to make their own decisions regarding how and when to be green.
"Legal & General understands that the look and feel of our homes is changing and that people are looking at ways to improve their carbon footprint. Legal & General has responded to this change by automatically including cover for solar panels, wind turbines and ground source heating pumps under the buildings section of their household insurance policy. We would advise anyone considering making any major green improvements to their home to check their insurance cover to make sure they are covered under the terms of their policy."
