Mums and dads determined to pass on the ‘ethical’ gene
Despite a plethora of Government and local council targets to get us to be greener and more ethical – it seems we often don’t start thinking about the damage we are doing to the environment until we have kids.With acres of media coverage telling us of perils of not looking after the planet or local society, it is parenthood that brings about the biggest change in social consciousness, according to research released today.
And it suggests that parents across the UK are determined that they pass on a more ethical conscience so that their children do their bit. Since becoming parents one in five (18%) claim that they are recycling more, 17% have a better regard for the environment, with the same amount looking to cut down on food waste, and encouragingly 90% acknowledge they can do more. Moreover, it is a green conscience that parents are most keen to pass on to their offspring. After being sensible with their money and being polite, half of all parents (51%) are keen for their children to recycle and a third expect them to reduce the amount of energy they use.
But it’s not just environmental ethics the parents are hoping to pass on. More than a third (36%) would like to see their children donate money or time to good causes. A quarter is adamant that their children should use their savings positively and 15% would like to see their children make a positive impact on society. The green study by the UK’s leading ethical bank, Triodos, explains that green savers are also happier with how their own money is being used with two thirds (64%) declaring themselves as extremely satisfied or satisfied compared to just 37% of those saving with other banks and building societies.
In our podcast Huw Davies, Head of Personal Banking at Triodos Bank and Sarah Pennells, independent broadcaster and ethical financial expert discuss how being green and savvy can live hand in hand.
