Climate change fears and cost of living sees rise in second hand shopping in Wales
More people in Wales are buying second-hand and reducing their energy usage in a bid to save money, according to new results from the National Survey for Wales.
The study, encompassing over 11,000 randomly selected participants, indicates a marked upsurge in environmentally-friendly behaviours.
75 per cent of respondents reported minimising their energy use at home, compared to 62 per cent last year.
Financial concerns have been cited as the main motivation for the swap to second hand shopping.
With an escalating climate crisis and persisting cost-of-living increases, recycling and reusing goods have become more prevalent in Welsh households.
According to the survey, 53 per cent of respondents admitted reducing their purchases of new items, a surge from the previous 46 per cent. 70 per cent have either purchased or received second-hand items in the past year, a significant rise from the 57 per cent recorded in 2018-19.
Interviews carried out between April 2022 and March 2023 covered diverse topics, including health, environmental issues, transportation, and arts attendance.
Other key findings included 40 per cent of people using a bus service in the past year, while 29 per cent stated they provided care or support to relatives or friends due to long-term health issues or age-related problems.
34 per cent of the employed respondents shared they partake in remote working, and 39 per cent reported participating in sports three or more times per week.
Rebecca Evans, Minister for Finance and Local Government, said: “The National Survey results provide an important insight into how people in Wales feel about different aspects of their lives.
“It will inform our thinking and actions as we continue to work to make Wales a better place to live.”
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