Austrians focus on waste avoidance for the climate

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Many people in Austria focus primarily on avoiding waste when it comes to their personal contribution to climate protection. This was the result of a survey presented on Friday on behalf of the Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB). According to the survey, almost 64 percent ensure they only buy as much food as they need for their household. Almost half of those surveyed actively try to avoid waste as much as possible. 1,000 people aged 14 to 75 were surveyed.

According to the survey, more than a third pay attention to regional and seasonal products, while 15 percent mainly buy organic products. Almost a quarter look for environmentally friendly packaging, and 60 percent avoid plastic bags “as often as possible.” Two-thirds check the food that has reached its best-before date instead of automatically disposing of it. Nevertheless, according to data from the Ministry of Climate Protection, around 1.2 million tons of food waste are generated along the entire value chain yearly—over 130 kilograms per person.

Avoiding air travel and cars is less widespread
Regarding energy, six out of ten respondents said they try to save electricity, and a good half also try to regulate their heating and thus reduce their energy consumption. On the other hand, respondents are least likely to cut back on transportation: Only just under a quarter, each said they avoid flights (27 percent) and do without their car as often as possible in everyday life (26 per cent).

Women are “more mindful than men regarding environmental protection.” For example, seven out of ten women surveyed use food even after it has passed its best-before date (70 vs. 62 percent of men). They also prefer to buy second-hand textiles (23 vs. twelve percent of men).

Commitment to environmental protection increases with age
Commitment to environmental protection increases with the age of the respondents. Twice as many older people over 70 as younger people under 20 pay attention to this (78 vs. 37 percent) and avoid plastic bags when shopping (74 vs. 33 percent). 31 percent of those under 20 say they save water, while the figure is more than half for respondents aged 50 and over. Older people are more likely to try to repair broken or old electrical appliances (19 percent under 20 vs. 42 percent over 70). The younger generation will likely give up meat for the environment’s sake (13% vs. 6% of baby boomers).

In Vienna, 28 percent do not own a car; the Austrian average is 16 percent. However, the capital’s population lags behind when it comes to avoiding waste: only just under four in ten people try to produce as little waste as possible (39 vs. 48 percent overall).