Environmental attitudes and actual behavior of Bulgarian citizens

Summary in the original language of the document

In recent years, environmental issues are becoming a serious concern for citizens. Data from Eurobarometer surveys show that the vast majority of Europeans are aware of the environmental issues and realize their importance for the quality of life and socio-economic system as a whole. At the same time individual environmentally friendly behaviour is not widespread. This study investigates Bulgarian citizens' opinions on whether environmental protection is a personal responsibility of each individual or a political task, thus highlighting discrepancies between what individuals say and what they really do. The survey was conducted during the months of April-May 2013 and it involved 1011 adults, citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria. The study shows a high level of support from respondents for measures and actions aimed at environmental protection in Bulgaria. Despite a high degree of environmental consciousness, behaviour seems to follow the traditional line of action, and everyday experience points to obvious inconsistencies between verbal claim and actual behaviour. It was established that highly approved environmental models of individual behaviour rarely motivate and direct the daily activities of Bulgarian consumers.