Digitalization has far-reaching effects on our consumption behavior. So far, it is completely unclear whether digital applications will help us to consume more sustainably or whether they increase the negative socio-ecological impact of consumption.
On the one hand, digitalization offers opportunities if, for instance, sustainability-relevant information is more readily available, if smart applications help us to save energy or if apps facilitate car-sharing. On the other hand, there are numerous risks if, for instance, easier access to consumption options and personalized advertising leads to more purchases overall or energy consumption increases due to the constant use of digital applications.
At the Re:publica 2019 we conducted a workshop together with around 80 participants, we collected ideas for a digital and sustainable consumption and discussed the preconditions for digitalization to actually promote sustainable consumption.