Member Article

North East recycling capital

The North East is the greenest region and recycles the most, according to Npower. People in the North East are most likely to reuse carrier bags, install loft insulation and use energy saving light bulbs.

Npower, in conjunction with a psychologist from the University of Leicester, has identified Green Net Aptitude - an indication of how an individual’s environmental awareness can be determined by their personality, surroundings and background. The results of the survey have revealed that when it comes to the UK as a whole, car salesmen from the West Midlands are least likely to be green. Women are more inclined to reuse carrier bags, turn appliances off fully and buy environmentally friendly products. However, men are more likely to change their car for a greener model or install a wind turbine or solar panel at home.

Adrian White, analytic social psychologist from the University of Leicester, said: “People who are able to delay gratification – to invest in their future - are much more likely to make green choices. Many aspects of modern life appeal to the desire for instant gratification which could mean getting a loan to buy that car or eating a ready meal rather than spending time preparing dinner. We see this in the increase in personal debt, lifestyle-related health problems such as obesity, and aspects of the consumer culture - particularly in advertising and marketing.

“The ability to delay gratification is a key psychological factor in how well we do in life - from the level of education we achieve, our personal finances, lifestyle related health issues and even the success of our relationships. “Teachers, with higher levels of education and a career focussed on investing in the future of children, have a high GNA score and are more likely to be able to delay gratification, compared to estate agents who may be working in a culture of quick sales and short-term commission.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .