Responsible consumption: Quebecers overestimate the impact of their actions

Responsible consumption: Quebecers overestimate the impact of their actions

The majority of Quebecers consider themselves responsible consumers, but many are unaware of which habits actually have the greatest impact on the environment. This is one of the findings of the 16th Responsible Consumption Barometer, released by the Observatoire de la consommation responsable at ESG UQAM.

According to the study, 68% of respondents say they practice responsible consumption. However, nearly two‑thirds admit they know little or nothing about the environmental impact of their consumption choices.

Researchers note that consumers tend to prioritize actions that are easy to integrate into daily life, such as buying local, planning meals, or extending the lifespan of appliances and clothing. While positive, these actions are not always the ones that most significantly reduce carbon footprints.

Among the measures with the greatest impact are reducing red meat consumption, decreasing car use, and buying new products less frequently. These changes, however, remain less popular because they often require more substantial lifestyle adjustments.

The report also highlights that transportation, housing, and food alone account for more than 80% of the carbon footprint associated with Quebecers’ consumption. In contrast, many citizens focus their efforts on more visible actions whose environmental benefits are more limited.

The authors of the study hope these findings will help better inform the public about the most effective actions to reduce environmental impact and support a transition toward more sustainable consumption habits.