Are people in Germany willing or just aware of more environmental and climate protection? Marlene Münsch, project manager at ConPolicy, reflects in an interview for the blog of the Oeko-Institute and the eco@work magazine on current trends in environmental awareness and how sustainable action can be strengthened despite existing challenges. The environmental awareness study and the in-depth study on consumer engagement, which Münsch conducted together with colleagues, paint a mixed picture: While environmental awareness continues to be a core value in German society, it has become less of a priority in recent years. People also recognize less and less that environmental protection also contributes to a good quality of life.
There are strong levers for sustainable action, such as not using cars and flights or buying green electricity. However, the more subtle influences also deserve attention. People are exposed to a flood of consumption stimuli, particularly on social media. A conscious reduction in digital exposure can help us to consume less. Sustainability is therefore not just a question of action, but sometimes needs conscious non-action. Nevertheless, the implementation of sustainable behavior is often associated with hurdles, as the in-depth study shows. Less than a quarter of respondents buy second-hand items, and the repair of defective products is becoming increasingly rare. Buying new is often cheaper and easier, while people lack the knowledge and skills to repair things themselves.
Nevertheless, there are positive approaches for the future. Circular economy offers for buying second-hand or sharing are very attractive to many. However, these have not yet reached the mainstream. Easier utilization options play an important role in strengthening consumers' options for action in the future.
You can find the blog post with the detailled interview here. The current edition of the eco@work magazine can be found here.
The results of the Environmental Awareness Study 2022 can be found here and the results of the in-depth study here.