How to use green nudging to promote sustainable consumption

Published on September 29, 2020

Do you want to know how to design, plan and evaluate a green nudge? It is a non-forcing way to gently push and help consumers or other actors to change their behavior in a sustainable manner. In order to understand how green nudges can be applied in environmental policy making, The Swedish EPA has funded a for-year research project. The researchers also present and evaluate three nudging case studies targeting food waste. Green nudging might be used complementary to other policy instruments.

The research project promotes sustainable consumption by delivering theoretical and practical knowledge about how to use green nudging. The research project is finished, and the final report including a summary in English is available at the Swedish EPA web-site www.naturvardsverket.se. The report is called Nudge som miljöekonomiskt styrmedel – att designa och utvärdera (report 6900, 2019). The Swedish EPA is currently applying the results on a concrete need; to change nudge behavior from the use of single-use plastic cups to more sustainable alternatives. The analysis is performed as part of the Sustainable Lifestyles and Education Programme. The research project is finished and the results may be used by anyone. For more information, please contact fredrik.carlsson@economics.gu.se.