Initial findings on COVID-19-induced changes to material consumption and mobility behavior

In: Umwelt, Innovation, Beschäftigung 2023, 02

In: Ressortforschungsplan of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection

Abstract

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.