Most people are choosing to recycle, reuse or sell unwanted goods - from clothes to mobile phones - rather than throw them away, a survey has suggested.

Ninety-four per cent do not usually throw clothes away, with almost two-thirds (61%) donating unwanted garments to charity and 12% recycling them, a poll of more than 1,000 people revealed.

Younger people are more likely to sell clothes, with 14% of 25 to 34-year-olds cashing in on their old outfits, compared to 8% across the population as a whole.

Most people do not throw away mobile phones either, according to the poll by Ipsos Mori for Climate Week, with 96% saying they did not bin their unwanted handsets.

Around two-thirds (65%) recycled, resold or gave away their mobile phones, the poll suggested.

More than eight out of 10 people (83%) recycle on most days, although one in 20 (5%) throw away food on a daily basis, the survey found.

The research also revealed that almost two-thirds (63%) want to help prevent climate change and more than half (56%) believe their actions can make a difference.

Climate Week chief executive Kevin Steele said: "Our survey clearly shows that people in Britain want to protect the environment and are taking action every day that helps to do so.

"This picture is confirmed by the half a million people around the UK who are attending events run for Climate Week."

The national Climate Week campaign, supported by politicians, celebrities, businesses, charities and scientific groups, aims to promote ways people can live and work more sustainably.

Save money on shopping

  • 1) Know the price of everything you buy
    <p> </p> <p> This takes time, but once you know the cost of a phone call, putting the dryer on, or a bag of potatoes, it enables you to judge far better how much you can afford to consume.</p>
    1) Know the price of everything you buy
  • 2) Shop around
    <p> </p> <p> Once you know the base price, you are in a position to keep your eyes open for a better offer. If you see a discount you can judge for yourself whether it actually constitutes a bargain. For bigger things like utilities it enables you to do a proper price comparison and see if you can cut your bills.</p>
    2) Shop around
  • 3) Trade down
    <p> </p> <p> Don't just assume that the premium range is better, try the every-day brand, or even the basic version and see if you spot the difference. Likewise, consider trading down your supermarket from one of the big players to local markets or discounters like Aldi.</p>
    3) Trade down
  • 4) Plan
    <p> </p> <p> If you plan what you buy to match what you actually cook and eat then not only will you be able to budget far more effectively, but you'll also waste much less and find your money goes further without you having to try.</p>
    4) Plan
  • 5) Think creatively
    <p> If you can't think of a way to get your meat for less, consider a vegetarian day once a week. If you can't find petrol any cheaper, then work on making your driving as efficient as possible. The more you can think of clever alternatives the less you will have to make painful cuts to make ends meet.</p>
    5) Think creatively