This paper presents the results of a multicountry survey on Covid-19-induced changes in consumption habits with a focus on nonessential material consumption and mobility behavior. The survey (n=4000) was carried out in Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States in early 2021. Our findings show early trends toward more sustainable behavior in nonessential material consumption, especially a reduction in purchases and the realization, that the unpurchased items were not missed. While there were likewise significant pandemic-related changes in mobility both concerning trip frequency and purpose and transport modes, respondents’ future intentions do not suggest significant gains in sustainability in this area.
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