Latest Google data highlights rise in ‘climate conscious’ consumer behaviour

Consumers across the UK are taking active steps to be more sustainable by making greener and cleaner choices, according to new data from Google.

Figures from the technology giant’s Search and Maps apps show that in the last year search queries on how to find more vintage or recycled clothes and how to find information on topics such as electric cars have risen significantly – a sign Google believes shows people are trying to live more sustainably.

According to its data, the most searched for topics around climate since the start of the year all related to living more sustainably, with veganism, recycling, waste collection, electric car and landfill being the most searched terms on the issue. Searches for waste management services were reported to have risen by 86% whilst searches linked to electric cars also spiked, with searches for electric vehicle charging stations more than doubling since March last year.

The data, which was released to mark Earth Day, showed that families as a whole were trying to do more for the environment, with “what is sustainability for kids?” named as one of the top trending questions within the climate topic on Google Search.

In response to the growing public awareness of the human impact on the climate, Google now shows carbon emissions for flights in search results and is planning to introduce other environmental awareness features.

“These trends show how enthusiastic the UK is about making sustainable choices,” commented Matt Brittin, Google president for EMEA. “We know people aren’t always sure where to start so we’re doing everything we can to make it easier, including making changes to some of your favourite tools.”