Hungarians for Saving Energy, Against Eating Less Meat

Almost the entire Hungarian society would like to live in a more environmentally friendly way in the next year, but is not so open to reducing meat consumption, according to a representative survey conducted by the ELTE Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology.

According to the research, 94.8% of Hungarian society would like to become more environmentally conscious in the next year. Of the seven intervention points that people would like to change, energy saving (using less electricity, gas and water) was the most popular.

According to a summary by psychologist and staff member at the institute, Attila Varga, looking at the different intervention points, the survey shows significant regional differences: respondents in Central Hungary were the most likely to plan to reduce their energy consumption, while respondents in Northern Hungary were the least likely to do so. As Attila Varga pointed out, people living in the poorest regions of the country probably already had far fewer ways to waste energy.

Waste reduction and repairing broken ‘things’ are in second and third place. Last on the list, in a tie for last place, are greener clothing and eating less animal food. In these areas, almost a fifth of the population plan to make their lives greener.

The survey also shows differences by gender: while men find it much harder to go green, women find it easier and are more likely to take action in this area in the near future.

The regional differences identified in the research highlight the fact that the potential for energy savings depends to a large extent on social status.    

"It is important to stress that reducing energy consumption must not be at the expense of human health, so even in the midst of the energy price boom, it is a matter of social solidarity to ensure that everyone can heat their homes in winter, and preferably in the least polluting way possible," Attila Varga wrote.