'Table talk' discussions focus more on environment and recycling than ever before

Recycling, climate change, and the environment have become the “hot topics” to discuss at the dinner table – more so than films or TV shows.

More than a quarter (27%) of 2,000 adults polled found that they would sooner chat about sustainability than football or what is happening on Love Island.

However, despite frequently discussing these issues during “table talk”, over a third (37%) admit they are still unclear as to what it all means when it comes to the climate crisis.

As a result, six in ten will just “nod along” to feel part of the conversation – and 42% have turned to Google to help give them clarity on things like “circular economy” and “ weather destabilisation”.

Three in ten adults are still unsure what they can and can't recycle, despite talking about it frequently (Education Images/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

Hayley Lloyd House, head of sustainability at BUXTON, which commissioned the research to reveal how people are engaging with the circularity of plastic packaging, said: “The dinner table is a great place to gather with friends and family and discuss, not only what really matters, but also how we move from words to action.

“Often, topics like current affairs and the environment are said to be best avoided when we come together for meals – but that’s not so much the case anymore.

“Of course, there’s still plenty of room for discussion about more light-hearted things such as holidays or sports – but our research shows people are more engaged with issues affecting the future of our planet than ever before.”

The study also found two-thirds of respondents believe it’s important to have open and honest discussions about important matters, according to the OnePoll figures.

But a quarter admitted they often struggle to follow a conversation and its subject matter if it’s about something complex, like an environmental issue or climate change.

And more than half (51%) will try and subtly steer a topic they feel is beyond them, into a conversation with which they’re more “au fait”.

And the confusion in conversation extends to taking action as well.

Despite 48% believing that chatting about recycling and buying recycled products is more common now than a decade ago, three in ten (31%) are still unsure what they can and can’t recycle.

Hayley Lloyd House, from BUXTON, which says its full range of bottles, other than caps and labels, is now made from recycled PET plastic (rPET) while remaining recyclable, added: “Not knowing a lot about a subject is nothing to be worried or ashamed about.

“Being open and up front when you’re not well-versed in something is the best way to learn – especially if you’re talking to someone who does know a lot about the topic.

“And the more conversation we have about the environment and the ways we can help protect it for future generations, the more everyone can make more informed choices.”

THE TOP 40 BRITISH CONVERSATION TOPICS:

1. Politics in the UK
2. Current affairs
3. Cost of living
4. Weather
5. Local events
6. Holidays
7. The family
8. Recycling
9. Sustainability
10. Work
11. Inflation
12. Gender identity
13. Premier League
14. Love Island
15. Travel
16. Films
17. Latest TV series
18. World Cup
19. Interest rates
20. Football in general
21. Personal relationships
22. Religion
23. Energy efficiency
24. Housing market
25. The environment
26. Sexual identity
27. TV soaps
28. Royal family
29. Women's Euros
30. Other reality TV shows
31. Celebrity scandals
32. Buying products made from recycled materials
33. Social media e.g. accounts to follow, popular videos etc.
34. Latest fashion
35. Video games
36. Celebrity romances
37. Shopping independent
38. Job market
39. Upcycling
40. Circular economy