As National Green Week (1- 4 June) draws attention to the need to be more socially responsible, research out today has revealed a growing proportion of UK adults intend to live greener lifestyles over the next year. The study, commissioned by Charcol Holden Meehan, shows two thirds of the population admit that they should be more socially responsible, with an encouraging 64% saying they intend to do something about it.

Of those who intend to go 'greener', an overwhelming 87% claim they will be recycling more and 70% will attempt to be economical with the energy they use. A third intend to boycott certain companies and products, and a quarter will be leaving the car at home more. However, only one in 20 will implement a change in their behaviour where it could make most difference - in where they invest their money. Other findings included:

The Young Ones

• People aged 18-29 are much more aware than their older counterparts of the need to be green (76% v 59% of those aged 50+).
• Whilst awareness of the need to be more socially responsible is high, a quarter of young people admit they probably won't be greener this year.
• More encouragingly, 15% said they intend to put their money in an account whose bank has ethical principles, more so than in any other age group.

• Women appear more open to the idea of ethical living, with 68% saying they are very likely to, or probably will, embark on a greener lifestyle - just 59% of men said the same.
• However 57% of men will ensure their investments are screened out to avoid unethical companies, compared to just 36% of women.