PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN THE SCOPE OF REDUCING ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION

Abstract

The aim of the article is to provide examples of activities undertaken by rural households in the pursuit of reducing electricity use. Households are one of the economic entities of the economic system that significantly use electricity to meet the needs of their members. Expenses incurred for the purchase of energy constitute one of the significant elements in the structure of total expenses. Households, by limiting the consumption of electricity, firstly, reduce expenses, and secondly, undertake pro-environmental activities. The article uses the results of surveys carried out in a group of 404 households located in rural areas of Poland. In addition, the analysis of primary data was expanded to include data from the Household Budget Survey carried out by the Central Statistical Office. The conducted research has shown that the most common activities aimed at reducing energy consumption were turning off the light in unused rooms as well as the use of energy-saving light bulbs and home appliances. Activities were mainly influenced by the level of ecological awareness, level of education and age.