YOUTH 2020 - The position of young people in Slovenia

306 In line with the principles of sustainable development and reducing resource consumption, which stem from attempts to reduce the effects of consumerism trends, giving importance to material goods while at the same time supporting the importance of protecting and living in a clean and pristine environment can be seen as a typical form of “declarative attitudes” among young people. Young people offered insights into the complexity of the problem at an individual level in their interviews. “Well, I try to keep the environment clean, we separate waste regularly at home. But I am not giving up a commodity completely for the sake of a clean environment. I am pragmatic and I choose what is most practical. I would, however, regulate such things so that goods that harm the environment are taxed more heavily. Believe me, I would never buy a product again if it meant that I would have to pay for it too much, and I think that many people feel the same way. Online purchases during Covid-19 have increased a little, but not significantly, because I used to buy most things online before, since I’m not a person who would enjoy shopping for several hours.” (Luka, 21 years old, student, athlete, and right-wing politician) “For example, in the store I usually look at where the product comes from. I usually buy Slovenian products. Certain things, of course, cannot be Slove- nian. When we buy fish, for example, I look at where the salmon is from, and we try to eat more natural (organic) foods. I also look at the brand, whether it is more well known, because that means that the material is bet- ter and the product is more durable. I also search for cheaper products. Also I simply like certain things and buy them for that reason.” (Ahac, 15 years old, high school student, athlete and model maker)