About four in ten Russians have already adopted eco-friendly habits, with another small portion, around 12%, showing only occasional engagement. A larger share responded negatively or did not practice these behaviors. This snapshot comes from a survey conducted by the PRO Brand communications agency, and the findings were reviewed by socialbites.ca. Attribution for the study is noted to the agency behind the project, which aimed to map everyday environmental actions across the population.
The data highlight the most common nature-preserving practices among Russians. The use of reusable bags or eco-bags tops the list at 94.5%, while efforts to recycle and donate or sell old clothes, toys, and shoes reach 87.4%. When it comes to waste handling, 23.8% of respondents regularly separate all waste, and 13% do so intermittently. A quarter, 26.6%, consistently take part in hazardous waste segregation, such as batteries, with nearly 60% indicating occasional participation. Regular collection and recycling of plastic caps occur for 13.5%, with 47.1% doing so from time to time.
Notably, a large portion of the population remains resistant to single-use items, including takeaway cups, bags, cotton swabs, plastic straws, and disposable utensils, with 59.9% never adopting these eco-habits. This reluctance appears despite growing awareness, suggesting that convenience and access may still drive everyday choices more than sustained habit formation.
Experts note that reported statistics can vary widely based on where people live. In large urban centers, eco-conscious behavior is more established, while regional areas often show a slower uptake. Many individuals express a desire to care for the environment but encounter practical barriers such as limited recycling points or ambiguous guidelines. In some cases, respondents described taking their items to charitable organizations and churches to repurpose or rehome belongings, reflecting improvised solutions in the absence of streamlined infrastructure. Alexey Gvintovkin, a sociologist and owner of PRO Brand communications agency, remarked on the survey results: some respondents admitted that what they call an “eco habit” may be unfamiliar terminology to them, even though their actions align with the concept.
There is also a note about ongoing efforts to address plastic waste, with newer initiatives reported in certain regions as part of broader environmental cleanup campaigns. These developments illustrate a shift toward more visible and organized disposal practices, even as uneven adoption persists across the country.