Londoners could be throwing away their chance of love

Littering is a turn-off to 85% of Londoners

Research by leading resource management company Veolia reveals that Londoners who show love to the environment stand a better chance of finding love. 

This Valentine’s Day, Veolia is spreading the love virtually with a series of animated GIFs to help Londoners secure a second date. Based on findings from a recent YouGov survey, these GIFs show how positive attitudes towards the environment really make a difference when looking for love.

 

New research shows:

  • 85% of Londoners are less likely to pursue a love interest with someone who littered during a first date, an increase from 70% in a pre-2020 study. 
  • 60% of Londoners are less likely to see someone after a first date if they purposely put something non-recyclable in a recycling bin.

Pascal Hauret, Managing Director - Municipal for Veolia UK, said: 

 

I’m pleased to see that the vast majority of Londoners really care about the environment and this research shows that practising positive waste behaviours makes a difference when choosing a potential partner. We hope that these GIFs remind people that looking after the environment is not only beneficial for the planet, but also for your love life. We also want to continue to thank Londoners who have shown their appreciation and support towards our key workers.

A Veolia Westminster Waste Collector said:

 

“I’m proud to be a key worker and help keep the country moving throughout this pandemic. I’ve been coming to work every day since March, which has been tough, but all the ‘thank you’s’ I’ve received has really kept me going. This Valentine’s Day, I hope people will keep showing love for the planet and appreciating the work we do. And if you ever see me or one of the other crews out in the borough, a smile or wave may seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference to our day.”

Key London statistics include:

  • 85% of Londoners are less likely to go on a second date with someone if they littered in the street

  • 60% are less likely to see someone after a first date if they purposely put something non-recyclable in a recycling bin

  • 56% are more likely to see someone again if they picked up litter that wasn't their own

  • 46% are less likely to see someone again if they admitted to not recycling in their own home

  • 39% are more likely to see someone again if they used a reusable bottle rather than a plastic one 

  • Over a quarter of Londoners (27%) admit to arguing with their partner about putting items in the wrong bin

YouGov 2020 research

The research was carried out online by YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2,089 adults, of which 231 were from London. Fieldwork was undertaken between 17th - 18th December 2020.  The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

YouGov 2019 research
The research was carried out online by YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2,062 adults, of which 230 were from London. Fieldwork was undertaken between 1st - 4th February 2019.  The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

Across the UK, Veolia provides sustainable recycling, waste and street cleansing solutions that serve approximately eight million people nationwide. The company works with businesses and local authorities to help them reduce the impact of their waste on the environment.