Sweden’s largest research program on sustainable consumption

A research program that aims to stimulate a transition to more sustainable consumption in Sweden. The goal is to contribute to change through increased knowledge of how sustainable consumption that is currently practiced by a few can be scaled up and become more common. The focus is on the areas of food, holidays and home decor.

The program has been going since 2018 and has now gone into its second phase which is 2022-2025.

News

A food tax shift could save lives – without a price hike in the average shopping basket

by jarbel | 24 October, 2025 | Food, News, Policy, Sustainable Consumption | 0 Comments

Photo collage: 1.Pexels, 2.Pixabay, 3.Pixabay, 4.Wikimedia Commons More expensive steak, cheaper tomatoes, but the same total cost for the average basket of groceries at the supermarket. A comprehensive study, led by researchers from Chalmers University of Technology...

See PhD defense “Mainstreaming Sustainable Consumption – Practices, Perspectives, and the Case of Food”

by jarbel | 23 September, 2025 | Food, News, Okategoriserade, Sustainable Consumption | 0 Comments

Image: Cover of thesis and Vishal Parekh. Welcome to Vishal Parekh’s PhD defense "Mainstreaming Sustainable Consumption – Practices, Perspectives, and the Case of Food" at Friday, September 26th. The thesis aims to explore the potential roles and perspectives of...

New study: Swedish government’s climate policy is both unfair and harmful to the economy

by jarbel | 12 September, 2025 | News, Policy, Sustainable Consumption | 0 Comments

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari Photo: Ninni Andersson and Kristian Pohl/The Government Offices of Sweden Cutting taxes on petrol and diesel not only increases emissions, it is also a poor use of public funds if the goal is to...

Some of our research results

Policy instruments receive increased support if they are directed at companies

Policy instruments for sustainable consumption can receive more popular support if they are perceived as fair and if they are aimed at companies instead of consumers.

We can achieve 40% less carbon dioxide emissions today

Swedes’ consumption of food and home furnishings as well as holiday trips can be reduced by up to 40%, only with adjustments within the existing system.

More time and less stuff can increase well-being

Sufficiency, meaning reduced material consumption and a reduction in working hours, can increase well-being.

Function and social arguments makes sustainable business models sell

Circular business models are most easily sold with messages based on how life can be simplified when people do not have to own or take care of material things.