Sustainability awareness grows in Portugal despite usage gaps

A study by the Behavioral Insights Unit at Católica-Lisbon SBE reveals that while a vast majority of Portuguese citizens value sustainable consumption, there is a gap between environmental awareness and regular participation in circular economy practices. Approximately 79.5% of respondents believe products should not harm the environment, and 67.3% consider environmental impact when choosing products.

Regarding the Volta System, the study found that while 82.8% of participants have high knowledge of the system, only 36.4% use it frequently or always, with 35.5% stating they never use it. However, there is a strong correlation between previous use and the intention to use the system again.

Complementary research from the European Environment Agency highlights that reusing goods like clothing, furniture, and electronics can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%. The effectiveness of this reduction depends on whether purchasing second-hand items successfully prevents the acquisition of new products, thereby reducing the need for raw material extraction and manufacturing.