As belts are tied even tighter, millions admit to becoming more resourceful and crafty.
According to a new report, 80% of British consumers admit to releasing their creative flair in light of the economic downturn, seeking alternative means of stretching the pound through arts, crafts and do-it-yourself-style activities. One in four has converted their home into a self-sustainable eco-system by planting fruit and vegetables in window boxes and back gardens.
The research, commissioned by 100% organic juice and smoothie firm, Grove Fresh, looks at how the more basic things in life can often be the most rewarding and satisfying. With the economic climate in slow decline, the report reveals that Brits are becoming more practical and inventive.
The main findings make for very interesting reading indeed and are encouraged and explored in greater detail in The Book of Rubbish Ideas (they could have just asked me - I’d have told them they were on the rise!)…
- Realising the endless rewards of home-grown fruit and veg, 26% have learnt the pleasures of gardening to enjoy their very own fresh produce the way nature intended;
- 17-Million people are getting their hands dirty with DIY to save money on home improvements;
- Many are getting crafty in the face of the credit crunch with 16% of people designing and creating greeting cards and gifts;
- A tenth of us even admit to dusting off the sewing kits in a bid to save money on clothing and soft furnishings;
Mark Philips, Sales and Marketing Director at Grove Fresh Organic, is not surprised to see how many people are realising the reward and satisfaction of going back to basics.
He comments: “The simple things in life tend to be the best and it’s interesting that these new skills and interests have recently become more apparent amongst the British public. As a company, Grove Fresh is a big believer in getting down to basics, which is what makes us so passionate about organic. Despite the credit crunch, it is evident from this research that people still know what value for money really means to them.”
Other interesting facts reveal that:
The number of young professionals who grow their own fruit and vegetables has risen from 16% in 2006 to 21% in 2008.
In spite of recent press about Britain’s social class divides, the credit crunch appears to be bringing the classes closer together. The research reveals entirely equal take-up of activities such as home improvement, dressmaking, and arts & crafts across both the ABC1 and C2DE income groups.
However that hasn’t impacted the country’s north-south divide: 1 in 3 Southerners find solace in gardening and growing their own fruit and vegetables; in stark contrast to a mere 1 in 5 Scots.
The under-25s are the most inspired in Britain, with almost double the number of youngsters making their own birthday cards than any other age group.
Phillips continues: “Home gardening is a very popular pastime. Not only do people have full control over how they care for their produce, they enjoy more interaction with nature and encourage wildlife to thrive.”
Rubbishly yours,
TSx
PS Visit the Grove Fresh website for more info.
Interesting article, Tracey and I like to view this as the silver lining to the ‘cloud’. I couldn’t find reference to this on the Grove Fresh site though - do you have a direct link?
Mrs G x
Interesting…I think people are being more open with each other about the price of things being expensive and the need to be careful. If we all stop consuming what will that do to the economy? any thoughts? Deb x
Hi Mrs Green - I was sent a press release on it and believe they are planning to put details of it up on the site. If not up in a short while, let me know and I’ll wing it over to you…xx
Debbie - very good comment and I think with all the high media profile and spotlight on the state of our economy at the moment, it’s definitely worth examinging the question.
During my own research into sustainable living and downshifting in particular, I’ve found it’s just not for everyone and that’s probably a good thing!
If everyone pulled out of working in the City in favour of a local, lower income job where they had more time, the pillars of industry and commerce might collapse in on themselves!
Whilst there is a carvable slice of the populus who’d rather trade in their briefcase for a pitchfork, there’s probably also a chunky segment who are looking to do the reverse, after having tried it and found it wasn’t for them.
The rules of chaos apply to this transition as much as anything else. It doesn’t matter how much common sense ‘you’ think there is in living more sustainably, many disagree and they are the ones propping up the economy.
I’m not really a political gal and think those at the top of the economic food chain will continue to fight it out amongst themselves, regardless of what we ‘real’ people are doing. I feel it’s my job to try to inspire we individuals out there to take a bit of personal responsibility for what we’re are doing on the planet and to embrace a bit of self-sufficiency and simple, green living for all of our benefit…..and I know which side of the fence I’ll always be on.
Good grief, that was chunky for a Wednesday night…..I’m off in search of a sage tea and a cold shower to calm down…
TSx
For me it’s a journey that’s evolving each day. We constantly evaluate our lives and make sure we are still happy and it’s working for us all. I heard a great line of saying “we are experimenting with…” rather than making a concrete decision. I like that and we are still experimenting each day with new ideas & challenges and it’s been great, I wouldn’t change a thing. Deb x
That’s a great way to embrace it - I like that phrase.
TSx