When it comes to their personal contribution to climate protection, many people in Austria focus primarily on waste reduction. This was revealed in a survey commissioned by the Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB) and presented on Friday. According to the survey, nearly 64 percent of respondents ensure they only buy as much food as their household needs. Almost half actively try to minimize waste. The survey included 1,000 people aged 14 to 75.

More than one-third of respondents prioritize regional and seasonal products, while 15 percent predominantly purchase organic products. Nearly a quarter focus on environmentally friendly packaging, and 60 percent avoid plastic bags “as often as possible.” Two-thirds check food that has reached its best-before date rather than discarding it automatically. However, according to the Ministry of Climate Protection, approximately 1.2 million tons of food waste are still generated annually along the entire value chain—over 130 kilograms per capita.

Less Commitment to Avoiding Flights and Cars

In the energy sector, six out of ten respondents claim to save electricity, and just over half attempt to regulate heating to reduce energy consumption. However, when it comes to transportation, respondents make the fewest compromises: Only about a quarter reported avoiding flights (27 percent) and refraining from using cars in daily life whenever possible (26 percent).

Women are “more mindful than men regarding environmental protection.” For example, seven out of ten women use food past its best-before date (70 percent versus 62 percent of men). Women also prefer second-hand clothing more often than men (23 percent versus 12 percent).

Environmental Engagement Increases with Age

Environmental awareness increases with age. Twice as many older adults aged 70 and above pay attention to environmental protection compared to younger people under 20 (78 percent versus 37 percent) and also avoid plastic bags when shopping (74 percent versus 33 percent). While 31 percent of those under 20 claim to save water, this figure rises to more than half among respondents aged 50 and older. Older people are also more likely to repair broken or old electronic devices (19 percent under 20 versus 42 percent over 70). Younger generations, however, are more likely to forego meat for environmental reasons (13 percent versus six percent among “baby boomers”).

In Vienna, 28 percent of people do without a personal car, compared to the Austrian average of 16 percent. However, when it comes to waste reduction, Vienna’s residents lag behind: Only about four out of ten people aim to generate as little waste as possible (39 percent versus 48 percent overall).