Russian young adults are willing to assume responsibility for the environmental issues within their nation.
A growing number of young Russians are adopting ecological practices, according to a study by the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VCIOM). Aleksey Almamattov, a VCIOM-Consulting expert, explains that these practices, which often save money, such as buying energy-saving light bulbs and conserving electricity and water, are the most common among this demographic.
Common Ecological Practices Among Young Russians
The study revealed several common ecological practices among young Russians aged 18 to 35. One of the most prevalent practices is the use of energy-saving light bulbs, with 66% of young Russians participating. Similarly, 55% of young Russians conserve water, electricity, and gas.
Beyond individual actions, young Russians are also engaging in collective efforts. Environmental education initiatives, such as creating school gardens and analysing air quality, are becoming more common in schools. Events like the "Ecosystem: Protected Territory National Environmental Youth Forum" offer platforms for young people to engage in environmental discussions and develop projects related to environmental protection.
Young Russians may also be involved in sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of precision farming, greenhouses, and climate-resilient seed varieties.
Factors Influencing Interest in Ecology
The study found that 84% of young Russians expressed interest in the ecological situation in their country, region, or locality. The main reasons for this interest include concern for their own health (60%) and issues of waste disposal, storage, and recycling (65%). At both the local and regional levels, 76% and 60% of young Russians, respectively, feel personally responsible for the ecological situation.
According to Almamattov, integrating ecological practices into consumers' behavior should rely on accessible infrastructure development and economic incentives for citizens. Government initiatives and policies, such as subsidies for sustainable technologies and import substitution policies, encourage the adoption of eco-friendly practices.
Public events and discussions about environmental issues raise awareness and encourage young people to participate in environmental movements. Participation in international events like Ecology Expo 2025 and national forums highlights the importance of environmental sustainability and encourages young Russians to engage with ecological issues.
While donations to environmental NGOs are the least common action among young Russians, with 4% participating, they do not find this method very appealing. The least popular measure among young Russians for improving the ecological situation is shared use of items like car-sharing or clothing rental, which is favored by only 12%.
References:
- Eco-Schools Russia
- "Ecosystem: Protected Territory National Environmental Youth Forum"
- Ecology Expo 2025
- Green Agriculture in Russia
- Interest in environmental-science and health-and-wellness is high among young Russians, with 84% expressing concern for the ecological situation in their locality, driven by concerns for their own health and issues of waste management.
- Adopting ecological practices, such as using energy-saving light bulbs (66%) and conserving water, electricity, and gas (55%), are common among this demographic, but they also engage in collective efforts like school garden initiatives and environmental forums to further promote health-and-wellness and environmental-science.
