Money worries are inspiring Brits to be more creative
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 flairs 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 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.
They are taking advantage of 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.
Seventeen million people are getting their hands dirty with DIY to save money on home improvements and many are taking the hands on step one further 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. There is even a distinct return to outdated hobbies such as stamp collecting, motorbike restoration, and knitting.
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."
The findings also 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 five 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."