Chris Bavin & Claire Tracey

More than three-quarters of people investigating ways to be more self-sufficientIn recent weeks, 42% have started monitoring spending more than ever before64% of households are needing to make changes to spending for the first time ever*45% are aware that energy may rise more in the future and are making changes to be readyCall for government to help make going green cheaper in order to have a positive effect on people’s pockets – and the environmentAs the cost of living continues to rise, we are becoming more mindful of our outgoings. In fact, 42% are now monitoring spending more than ever before, according to new research from Nationwide Building Society.At home, we are turning off lights (47%), turning down the heating (40%), and only having it on for a few hours each day (31%) to afford rising bills. Almost three in ten (29%) are going to turn the heating off altogether – even if it is cold – while 49% are thinking of switching tariffs** in search of a better deal.Elsewhere, we are further tackling expenditure by eating out less (45%), repairing old things rather than buying new (24%) and even going as far as to grow our own vegetables (14%). Meanwhile, 7% have turned the heating off altogether once the price cap was implemented in April and 29% of drivers can’t afford to fill the tank if the cost per litre exceeds £1.80.Nationwide Building Society’s research which highlights the fact that two-thirds of households are having to make major changes to their spending for the first time ever provides further compelling evidence of the extent to which this cost of living crisis is unfolding.Three in ten (30%) have recently searched how to save energy in the home, 22% on how to reduce food waste, and 26% on how to generally reduce financial outgoings across the board.However, perhaps more than ever before, we continue to be mindful of waste, with 77% looking to become more self-sufficient and less wasteful at home. While many do not have a choice (42%), others are conscious that it will be healthier (26%) while 23% say they have been inspired by others doing so.A staggering 17% currently face the bleak decision to either ‘eat or heat.Nationwide would like to see the government double down on its support for the green economy by making it more cost-effective to go green; a comprehensive, long-term strategy enabling homes to be better insulated and powered by clean energy as one of the best ways to protect against rising fuel prices, particularly for those who have the least means to achieve it.The findings follow research conducted by Nationwide earlier this year when they found how quickly perceptions around green improvements, particularly when prices are rising, have changed. Some 80 per cent of respondents were now more inclined to make green home improvements than they were six months ago to help protect against further energy price rises.Chris Bavin is a TV presenter, known for his shows on managing food bills (Eat Well for Less), gardening (Britain in Bloom) and being green in everyday life (Shop Well for The Planet).Chris Bavin will be available to discuss this new research further, offer advice for those who want to live green while cutting costs, and share what other benefits can be reaped from living a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle, alongside Nationwide Building Society’s Claire Tracey, Chief Sustainability Officer who will speak about what more the building society is campaigning for to make greener homes affordable for all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.