Abstract
The specific case of home gardening practices is particularly relevant when discussing lifestyle habits and ecological transition, due to the wide range of positive and negative environmental externalities private gardens may generate. However, existing studies usually focus on restricted areas, mostly at a city scale. We provide an original empirical contribution to the literature on individual and institutional drivers regarding ecological transition by exploring the variations of individual behavior between European countries with an appropriate econometric approach. Using a European database (Eurobarometer 83.4), we highlight several interesting results regarding Europeans' adoption of sustainable gardening practices, more particularly on the role of socio-demographic drivers, urban or rural residential location and access to trustworthy biodiversity-related information. In conclusion, we provide recommendations for the design of dedicated public policies, specific to a national or local level of decision.
Highlights
In 2013, the French National Association of Landscape Firms (UNEP1) studied the European population’s relationship to gardens
The results revealed a strong commitment of households towards their own garden, which German, Spanish and French households consider as one of the two most important rooms in their house, along with the living room
Gardening differs from other domestic tasks through the level of satisfaction it provides to individuals
Summary
In 2013, the French National Association of Landscape Firms (UNEP1) studied the European population’s relationship to gardens. The results revealed a strong commitment of households towards their own garden, which German, Spanish and French households consider as one of the two most important rooms in their house, along with the living room. A vast majority of European households has at least a garden or a balcony (82% of all households). We observe a high variability between countries: more than 90% of Dutch and British households has a garden or balcony, while the share falls down to 56% for Spanish households. Gardening activities keep European households busy almost fifteen minutes a day, which makes it one of the main domestic tasks, after groceries and house cleaning. Gardening differs from other domestic tasks through the level of satisfaction it provides to individuals. Brousse (2015) notes that gardening is the most favored domestic task among French households, overtaking handiwork and cooking. Private gardens perceptions and associated uses may vary among individuals
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