As a result of the covid crisis, Spaniards have incorporated sustainable habits into their daily lives. They are increasingly committed to responsible consumption and the circular economy. The market for second-hand leisure and household products is booming and the trend looks set to continue.
This is a key conclusion of the report ‘La red del cambio’, (The Network of Change), carried out by Wallapop in cooperation with market research agency Ipsos. Wallapop are the company behind the online marketplace for second-hand goods in Spain.
One in five Spaniards say they will spend more on second-hand products than new ones in the next five years. Younger younger generations score particularly highly. In particular, the demand for second-hand leisure products (such as books, music, films and collectibles) and household products (furniture and decoration) is rising.
Responsible behaviour
According to the report, Spaniards show more responsible behaviour by saving, avoiding unnecessary spending, consuming locally, reducing waste and recycling.
77% of those surveyed said they separate waste for recycling, 76% make efforts to save water and energy at home. 66% think about whether they really need to make a purchase, with the aim of extending the life of the products they already have. The trend has been upwards since last year and there are no signs that this rate of growth will change any time soon.
The number of people who have bought second-hand goods in the past year has also increased. One in three Spaniards are buying more second-hand goods than before the pandemic.
Millennials (24-39 years old) are the most active in conservation and sustainability in general. Generation Z (16 to 23 years old) think it is important to reward people and organisations that meet responsibility criteria. The Baby Boomers (55 to 60 years) are in favour of more and better information and the withdrawal of less sustainable products.
Motives
Two out of three consumers find it very positive that by buying second-hand they contribute to the sustainability of the planet, the products are more affordable and the supply is large and diverse. Of those who already buy and sell second-hand, 57% say giving their things a second life makes them feel good. 55% of these attribute this to the fact they are contributing to the sustainability of the planet. 52%, meanwhile, appreciate the extra source of income and 41% believe that it helps other people.
New ways of living
The report also looks at the ‘new ways of living’ among the Spanish population. Although only 8% of those surveyed said they had moved from the city to the countryside during the pandemic, two thirds of Spaniards believe the countryside will be more popular again. E-commerce will play a key role in connecting rural and urban areas, according to 52% of Spaniards. The differences that traditionally existed between urban and rural areas have become smaller.
Upward trend
All these figures and percentages indicate an upward trend. It is a very remarkable increase compared to figures from other countries. Ipsos stresses the penetration of sustainable consumption habits among the Spanish population is higher than the average of the 30 countries analysed.
