Cracks in UK's 'green' conscience

Supermarkets have been promoting their green credentials

Big business in the UK is spending millions of pounds to invest in becoming greener, responding to a sea change in attitude from shoppers.

But most UK consumers are unwilling to fork out any extra costs to help save the planet, a survey shows.

Out of 2,610 people interviewed by YouGov, half said they were not prepared to pay higher taxes to help sustain the environment.

A small number - 7% - said they didn't care about the environment at all.

And only a minority said they would be willing to pay higher taxes in specific areas.

Only one fifth said they would be happy to pay 'green taxes' on flights.

Extra car taxes

When it comes to car travel, it seems, British consumers seem more willing to dig into their pockets to reduce carbon emissions.

Almost a quarter of the people interviewed confirmed they would agree to pay higher car taxes despite one in 10 claiming this to be their most resented tax.

A further 17% said they'd be happy to pay to combat problems closer to home, such as littering.

The survey also confirmed that younger people are more in tune to the need to change the way we live.

While 50% overall were against increased environmental taxes, 63% of those aged between 45 and 54 took this position.

The survey was carried out on behalf of unbiased.co.uk, a financial advice website.