COVID has sparked an environmental wake-up call for people in the North-East and Yorkshire, research suggests, but there are big differences between the regions.
A European-wide study by drink can recycling initiative Every Can Counts has found 91 per cent of people in North-East say that since the Covid-19 outbreak, it is more important than ever to take care of the planet and the environment.
In Yorkshire and Humberside, 91 per cent of people also agree.
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There are some differences between the North-East's attitude to the environment compared with Yorkshire and the Humber.
When asked 'how important is recycling to you', the North-East ranked lowest in the country despite this having improved since the pandemic. Meanwhile, Yorkshire and Humberside ranked highest in the country when considering the environment over the economy.
The majority (93 per cent) of North-East survey respondents in the region said it is an urgent task to tackle recycling, while 96 per cent said that considering recycling and its importance for the planet is an obligation of all citizens and consumers, not just world leaders.
These figures both stood at 91 per cent in Yorkshire and the Humber.
The survey also discovered that in these uncertain economic times, 65 per cent of North-East consumers say that the economy is currently a priority over the environment while just 48 per cent of people in Yorkshire agree.
As the first England-wide lockdown saw pollution plummet in towns and cities, the impact of modern life on the environment was brought to light.
In the North-East, 81 per cent of respondents said during the pandemic they have recycled more than ever, suggesting that the increase in time spent at home during the pandemic has made it easier for people to do their bit and recycle more.
Only 44 per cent, however, said they often or always recycle when out and about and even less when at work with 38 per cent.
Some 73 per cent of people in Yorkshire and Humberside said they have recycled more than ever during the pandemic, though this falls dramatically when out (36 per cent) and at work (35 per cent).
Rick Hindley, director of Every Can Counts said: “The figures imply that given the time and correct resources, we’re all more than capable of recycling everything we can.
"It’s when we’re out and about or at work that it becomes more difficult. The findings from the survey also suggest that Covid-19 has prompted us to consider our own fragility as human beings and look at the way we treat the planet, our home.
“The Covid-19 outbreak has of course brought about devastating effects. However, as we can see from these survey results, one positive is that people are beginning to sit and up and take notice of the vital environmental issues we are facing. We do not have forever to rectify the damage that has been done to our planet. The time is now.
“Recycling - and especially recycling drink cans given that aluminium is infinitely recyclable - is something we can all do to help the planet. Over the past five years, the UK recycling rate for drink cans has increased by 16 per cent to an impressive 76 per cent. Our vision is to get that to 100 per cent.”
North-East respondents echoed this call to action with 93 per cent saying they would like to do more when it comes to recycling and a massive 79 per cent feeling that more needs to be done in general to encourage recycling.
Of the 12 UK regions surveyed as part of the wider European study, the North-East ranked the lowest when quantifying the importance of recycling with a score of 71 per cent.
Yorkshire and Humberside came up top with a score of 83 per cent, alongside Greater London, the South West and South East all with scores of 80 per cent plus.
However, when looking at how Covid-19 has changed the minds of the masses regarding the environment and taking care of the planet, the North-East and Yorkshire and Humber are ranked in joint 5th place, just above the East Midlands, while Scotland and the East of England came top with 95 per cent.
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