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Eco-traits could lead to more dates, as 71% of Brits say caring for the planet is a major turn-on

  • They care passionately about the planet, have great sense of humour, and always recycle: The signs you've found a "keeper" in the modern age.
  • Show the environment some love as more than half of Brits have thought about dumping someone for their excessive carbon footprint
  • Making small changes, like switching from standard broadband to full fibre, can- help to reduce Britain’s carbon emissions

Thursday 10th February: With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, new research from connectivity provider TalkTalk reveals the true signs of a potential suitor, with two in three people (71%) saying caring for the planet is a major turn-on. While a staggering 70 percent of people admit they’d be put off dating someone who didn’t try to protect the environment.

The nationwide survey of Brits aged 45 and under was commissioned to highlight the little things people can do to reduce their carbon footprint and help them find a keeper this Valentine’s Day – including switching from standard broadband to full fibre, which allows TalkTalk customers to reduce their lifetime carbon footprint by up to 565Kg*. That’s equivalent to sending a mammoth 4,036** Valentine’s Day cards - enough cards to fill the length of 6 football pitches and almost double the height of the Eiffel Tower!

Signs of a keeper

Being kind (55%), having a great sense of humour (47%), working hard (39%) and being sensitive to your needs (39%) also came high on the keepers list. But these qualities are far from the only characteristics that attract – and keep Brits infatuated with – a love match.

Other important qualities include:

  • Being loved by their mum (23%)
  • Not talking about their ex all the time (33%)
  • Caring about the planet (15%)
  • Being someone who always recycles (12%)

While more than one in 10 (11%) find it attractive if someone cares about how climate change will affect future generations. In fact, 70 percent of those polled said that if someone doesn’t care about the environment, they’d probably be selfish in a relationship.

  • 59 percent would actually be prepared to dump someone solely because of their excessive carbon footprint or lack of green credentials
  • Whilst 15 percent also wouldn’t stand for a partner who left the tap running while they brushed their teeth
  • And, more than one in twenty (6%) would be put off if someone couldn’t keep their house plants alive.

Will Ennett, TalkTalk's Head of Sustainability said: “When it comes to finding ‘the one’, caring about the planet is increasingly important to modern Brits. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, we’re encouraging people to think about eco-friendly switches they can make to help show the planet some love.

Our research shows that by switching to Future Fibre from standard broadband, TalkTalk customers can reduce their lifetime carbon emissions by up to 565Kg* – to put this into context, around 26 adult trees are needed to absorb that amount of CO2***."

Relationship red flags

The poll also uncovered the nation’s biggest relationship red flags and things people can avoid doing, to remain a keeper.

  • Two thirds said talking about their ex (63%) or liking their ex’s social posts (54%) are the biggest flags
  • Whilst not liking animals (34%) and dropping litter (28%) – which ranked above dating faux pas including leaving WhatsApp messages ‘on read’ (24%) are some of the ‘icks’ that can put-off potential partners.

In fact, 59 percent of Brits would love to receive environmentally friendly gifts this Valentine’s Day, like digital cards and carbon-neutral Champagne, from their partner. Other simple

Win year’s supply of carbon-neutral champagne

TalkTalk’s network will be up to 80% more energy efficient following the switch from existing copper-based services to full fibre. In celebration of the environmental benefits,  TalkTalk has teamed up with Katie Zelem, Manchester United’s captain and England midfielder, to give away a year’s supply of carbon neutral champagne.

All you have to do to be in with a chance to win is like Katie Zelem’s competition post here and tag the person you would share the champagne with. @TalkTalk will reveal the lucky winner on the Instagram post this Valentine’s Day – so don’t forget to follow them too.

Notes to editors

Research

  • 1,500 UK residents aged 16-45, commissioned by TalkTalk and conducted by Perspectus Global in February 2022.

To find out more about TalkTalk

*TalkTalk data