Introduction
As sustainability increasingly becomes a global priority, local initiatives and public engagement are essential to addressing the environmental challenges facing cities today. In Bucharest, a city grappling with both growth and environmental concerns, understanding how citizens perceive sustainability is key to making meaningful progress. To explore these perceptions, we conducted a project, including an online survey and street interviews, engaging over 150 Bucharest residents. The goal was to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sustainability and understand their perspectives on what needs to change. Additionally, we wanted to share our conversations and our findings with a wider audience and the community through our social media channels. Check the resulting visual content related to the project on our Instagram page.
Demographics
Our survey attracted responses from 130 participants, 53% were under the age of 26, while 37% were between the ages of 26 and 35. This means that the majority of our respondents were younger, representing a generation that is often seen as more environmentally conscious. Additionally, two-thirds of our participants were female, a demographic that has been shown in other studies to often be more active in sustainability-related initiatives.
Sustainability Habits in Bucharest
When it comes to everyday sustainable practices, the survey results revealed both encouraging trends and areas for improvement. A large majority of our respondents engage in simple and effective sustainable habits, such as using reusable bottles and bags for shopping, indicating a growing awareness of the importance of reducing plastic waste. These habits not only help reduce unnecessary waste but are also more cost-effective.
However, questions about waste separation and sustainable shopping (including buying second-hand) showed a higher percentage of respondents who do not yet engage in these practices. This may be due to a lack of incentives beyond the desire to be eco-friendly. These habits are often seen as inconvenient, requiring extra effort to sort waste or find sustainable products. The least favorable responses from a sustainability perspective were related to dietary choices—only 8% of respondents identified as vegan or vegetarian. Nevertheless, an encouraging 48% had at least considered adopting a vegetarian/vegan diet.
However, questions about waste separation and sustainable shopping (including buying second-hand) showed a higher percentage of respondents who do not yet engage in these practices. This may be due to a lack of incentives beyond the desire to be eco-friendly. These habits are often seen as inconvenient, requiring extra effort to sort waste or find sustainable products. The least favorable responses from a sustainability perspective were related to dietary choices—only 8% of respondents identified as vegan or vegetarian. Nevertheless, an encouraging 48% had at least considered adopting a vegetarian/vegan diet.
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Sustainability
When asked about returning bottles and cans to supermarkets, a practice that encourages recycling, 82% of respondents said they do it. The majority (54%) stated their motivation was that it’s an easy way to recycle, while 18% do it because they know the materials will be properly recycled. Interestingly, almost a third of respondents admitted that their primary motivation was monetary compensation. While this might suggest that some are motivated more by financial incentives than by environmental concern, the practice still has a positive outcome in terms of recycling awareness.
Similarly, we received mixed responses regarding the motivation behind shopping second-hand. Only 28% cited avoiding fast fashion as their main reason. However, regardless of the motivation, second-hand shopping is one of the simplest ways to reduce overconsumption and repurpose items already in circulation.
Overall, the mixed responses show that a significant amount of awareness surrounds sustainable practices among our respondents, regardless of their motivation. We did notice a correlation between affirmative responses to sustainable habits—those who practice one sustainable behavior are more likely to engage in others as well. However, there were also participants with a majority of negative responses, highlighting that there is still work to be done in promoting and facilitating sustainable lifestyles in Bucharest.
Given the well-known issue of traffic in Bucharest, we also asked respondents about their primary mode of transportation and why they choose it. A majority (81%) reported using public transport, primarily due to lower costs and faster travel times. A smaller group (13%) primarily uses cars for convenience and speed. Perhaps a different age distribution among respondents would have produced different results. As expected, those who primarily use bikes or similar forms of transport represent a small proportion of the population—something easily observable by anyone living in Bucharest. While bikes are the most environmentally friendly option, eco-friendliness was the least chosen reason for any mode of transportation. This implies that sustainability is not a major factor when deciding how to move around the city daily.
When it comes to concerns about climate change, an overwhelming 86% of respondents indicated that they are "absolutely" worried about its impacts. This demonstrates a strong awareness of the issue among Bucharest residents. However, this high level of concern doesn't always translate into action, often due to practical challenges or a lack of clear guidance on sustainable behaviors.
We also asked participants what percentage of waste they believe Romania recycles. The correct answer at the time was 13%, and it's encouraging that the majority (69%) got it right, reflecting good awareness of the country’s recycling efforts. However, some respondents overestimated the recycling rate greatly. This suggests that while people have a basic understanding of the situation, there are still some misconceptions about the effectiveness of waste management systems in Romania.
Overall, the results show that while concern about climate change and awareness of recycling are high, there's still a gap when it comes to turning this knowledge into action. This highlights the need for more support, education, and improved infrastructure to help residents make sustainable choices in their everyday lives.
Similarly, we received mixed responses regarding the motivation behind shopping second-hand. Only 28% cited avoiding fast fashion as their main reason. However, regardless of the motivation, second-hand shopping is one of the simplest ways to reduce overconsumption and repurpose items already in circulation.
Overall, the mixed responses show that a significant amount of awareness surrounds sustainable practices among our respondents, regardless of their motivation. We did notice a correlation between affirmative responses to sustainable habits—those who practice one sustainable behavior are more likely to engage in others as well. However, there were also participants with a majority of negative responses, highlighting that there is still work to be done in promoting and facilitating sustainable lifestyles in Bucharest.
Given the well-known issue of traffic in Bucharest, we also asked respondents about their primary mode of transportation and why they choose it. A majority (81%) reported using public transport, primarily due to lower costs and faster travel times. A smaller group (13%) primarily uses cars for convenience and speed. Perhaps a different age distribution among respondents would have produced different results. As expected, those who primarily use bikes or similar forms of transport represent a small proportion of the population—something easily observable by anyone living in Bucharest. While bikes are the most environmentally friendly option, eco-friendliness was the least chosen reason for any mode of transportation. This implies that sustainability is not a major factor when deciding how to move around the city daily.
When it comes to concerns about climate change, an overwhelming 86% of respondents indicated that they are "absolutely" worried about its impacts. This demonstrates a strong awareness of the issue among Bucharest residents. However, this high level of concern doesn't always translate into action, often due to practical challenges or a lack of clear guidance on sustainable behaviors.
We also asked participants what percentage of waste they believe Romania recycles. The correct answer at the time was 13%, and it's encouraging that the majority (69%) got it right, reflecting good awareness of the country’s recycling efforts. However, some respondents overestimated the recycling rate greatly. This suggests that while people have a basic understanding of the situation, there are still some misconceptions about the effectiveness of waste management systems in Romania.
Overall, the results show that while concern about climate change and awareness of recycling are high, there's still a gap when it comes to turning this knowledge into action. This highlights the need for more support, education, and improved infrastructure to help residents make sustainable choices in their everyday lives.
Role of the Government and Public Expectations
One of the most telling parts of the survey was the public’s perception of government action on sustainability. When asked whether they felt the government in Bucharest was doing enough to combat climate change, the majority of respondents said no. This sentiment underscores a disconnect between public expectations and government efforts, as many respondents identified key areas where they feel more action is urgently needed.
Challenges and Opportunities
The results of our survey highlight both challenges and opportunities for sustainability in Bucharest. While there is clearly a strong level of concern about environmental issues and many people are already taking steps to reduce their impact, there are still barriers to the widespread adoption of sustainable practices. For example, the lack of convenient recycling options and insufficient government action were frequently cited as obstacles, both in our survey and during the public interviews. Additionally, frustrations regarding issues such as the expansion of built spaces, air pollution, dense traffic, and the lack of cycling lanes were often mentioned when speaking with residents on the streets.
However, the survey also revealed a strong desire for change and a willingness among the public to support more ambitious sustainability initiatives. This presents an opportunity for both local authorities and non-governmental organizations to harness this momentum and work together to create more effective and accessible sustainability programs.
However, the survey also revealed a strong desire for change and a willingness among the public to support more ambitious sustainability initiatives. This presents an opportunity for both local authorities and non-governmental organizations to harness this momentum and work together to create more effective and accessible sustainability programs.
Conclusion
The state of sustainability in Bucharest, as reflected in the results of our survey, shows that while progress has been made, there is still much more to be done. Public awareness and concern about environmental issues are high, particularly among younger generations. However, there is a clear need for more support and action from the government to address the challenges residents face in adopting sustainable practices.
We hope that, sooner rather than later, local authorities will prioritize the development of better recycling infrastructure, invest in public awareness campaigns, and implement policies that make it easier for residents to make sustainable choices. Additionally, collaboration between the government, NGOs, and the private sector will be crucial in driving meaningful change.
But what about you? Have you considered how your daily habits impact sustainability? Government action is important, but lasting change also depends on the everyday choices we all make. Simple actions like separating your waste, choosing public transport, or reducing your use of single-use plastics can make a real difference.
We encourage everyone reading this to take personal steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Every action counts, and together, we can build a more sustainable future for Bucharest—a future that benefits both the people and the planet. Let’s start today. What will your next step be?
We hope that, sooner rather than later, local authorities will prioritize the development of better recycling infrastructure, invest in public awareness campaigns, and implement policies that make it easier for residents to make sustainable choices. Additionally, collaboration between the government, NGOs, and the private sector will be crucial in driving meaningful change.
But what about you? Have you considered how your daily habits impact sustainability? Government action is important, but lasting change also depends on the everyday choices we all make. Simple actions like separating your waste, choosing public transport, or reducing your use of single-use plastics can make a real difference.
We encourage everyone reading this to take personal steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Every action counts, and together, we can build a more sustainable future for Bucharest—a future that benefits both the people and the planet. Let’s start today. What will your next step be?
The research has been made by Cata & Stela, our lovely ESC volunteers as part of the 2022-1-RO01-ESC51-VTJ-000080597 project powered by the European Solidarity Corps. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.