Copyright dailystar
Nearly half of Brits dream of a more self-sufficient lifestyle as epitomised in iconic 70s sitcom, The Good Life. A poll of 2,000 adults found the comedy series is still relevant 50 years after it first aired, with 44% actively pursuing or considering a simpler way of life. As many as 28% have attempted to grow their own fruit and veg during the past 12 months - much like Richard Brier's character, Tom. Others have installed solar panels on their roof (8%) or attempted to make their own furniture or upcycle it (8%). While 29% have sought out used clothing and 9% have created a rainwater harvesting system. The research was commissioned by U&GOLD ahead of the new documentary, The Good Life: Inside Out which airs on the channel at 9pm on Tuesday October 28 - it looks back on the show five decades since it was first shown. The study found 25% of all adults have been directly inspired by the sitcom to become more self-sufficient, with its themes of overconsumption, reducing waste, and living in harmony with nature continuing to resonate amid rising living costs and climate concerns. Co-creator of the show John Esmonde, speaking in a 1980s interview, said: "At the time, plenty of people were thinking ‘what can I do with my life instead of just going to the office every day?’ "They were looking for a kind of freedom. The message of becoming self-sufficient was to do something about life before it throttles you. Tom was a natural anarchist, but hopefully in not too deadly serious a manner. It was comic anarchy.” The perceived benefits to living more self-sufficiently include fresher and organic food (51%), a lower cost of living (5%), and spending more time outdoors (48%). Other draws include the potential for better physical health (48%) and improved mental wellbeing (44%), along with the chance to learn new skills (42%). However, with the pros come the cons, and those polled consider these to be lack of skills (49%), little or no access to land (45%), and the cost of moving to this way of life. Despite this, the research carried out through OnePoll found 51% are convinced living such a lifestyle is more achievable than people generally think. Further reasons for wanting to live this way include wanting to focus on what really matters (46%) and wanting to live off-grid or in a rural setting (38%). With wanting more time to pursue interests and passions (38%) and wanting to have moments with their loved ones (37%) also motivations. Gerald Casey, director of programming, comedy and entertainment for U&GOLD, makers of The Good Life: Inside Out, said: "The show’s themes continue to endure with old and new viewers – it’s still relevant now, arguably more so than it was back in the 70s. "Its message of self-sufficiency and simple living speaks directly to today’s world.” Top 10 benefits of the The Good Life 1. Fresher and organic food 2. Lower cost of living 3. More time outdoors 4. Better physical health 5. Improved mental wellbeing 6. Learning new skills 7. Living in harmony with nature 8. Less reliance on supermarkets 9. Reduced stress 10. Greater sense of purpose
