Denise van Outen and husband Eddie recreate classic "The Good Life" images as research suggests almost half of Brits have become more self-sufficient in the past year

New research by comparison and switching service Uswitch suggests modern Brits are a nation of Tom and Barbaras, with as many as 40% claiming they have become more self-sufficient since March 2020. 

A further 43% say they have totally re-evaluated the way they live since lockdown, in terms of sustainability, saving energy and looking after the planet. 

23% have created their own vegetable patch, while almost a third (28 %) now grow their own herbs, rather than buying them from a supermarket. 

Almost half (49%) have ditched the jars and packets, preferring to cook from scratch, while 18% have started to compost and more than one in ten (12%) have taken to making their own jams and pickles. 

16% have even started to collect rainwater, while an environmentally conscious 20 % have thought about using alternative energy within their home, for the sake of the planet. 

In fact, a staggering 83% of the 2,000 surveyed felt that, despite the challenges of the past 18 months, there had been a return to the “good life” in Britain, with people continuing to live more simple and frugal existences, even as restrictions begin to lift. 

And as many as 54% of those polled said they will try to hold onto these new ways of living, as we get back to normal life. 

The study marks the launch of the Uswitch Green Accreditation, the first ever scheme to categorise green energy tariffs into ‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Gold’ categories, making it easier than ever before for consumers to know how sustainable their energy deal really is.

Sarah Broomfield, energy expert from Uswitch commented on the research: “Like Denise and Eddie, many Brits are enjoying going back to the ‘good life’ by being more eco conscious.  You don’t have to be a ‘green’ expert to make more sustainable decisions though - there are small swaps you can do to help the planet.

“Sometimes it can be as simple as turning off lights when you leave the room or not overfilling the kettle when making a cup of tea or coffee. Switching to a green energy deal is also another way to do your bit for the environment.”

According to the survey, Leicester is the greenest city in the UK, with as many as 53 % saying they have become more self-sufficient and energy-sufficient since March 2020, compared to the national average of 40 %. 

And Gen Z’s are leading the way, with 53 % of 16- to 29-year-olds saying they have upped their environmental game in recent times, compared to 45 % of 30 – 44-year-olds and just 28 % of over 60s.