The leisure letter, 43
1 September 1985
Overwhelming majority: Leisure activities not at any price – environmental protection interests take precedence.
The vast majority of the German population – 81 percent – is prepared to accept noticeable restrictions on their leisure activities if this ensures the long-term preservation of nature and the environment. This is the result of a representative opinion poll conducted by the BAT Leisure Research Institute among 2,000 people across Germany. For the vast majority of the population, there is apparently no conflict of interest between leisure and environmental protection. If necessary, they are willing to demonstrate social responsibility and put their own leisure interests aside – in the interest of the common good and the environment.
However, "The willingness to accept noticeable restrictions is not the same as actual action," explains Prof. Dr. Horst W. Opaschowski, head of the BAT Leisure Research Institute, regarding the survey results. "There will be no correlation between expressed willingness to make sacrifices and actual behavior. This is because, on the one hand, the environment must be protected, and on the other hand, personal freedom in leisure time should be preserved. Looking ahead, the difficult path of walking a tightrope between environmental impact and restrictions on leisure time is becoming apparent."„
As the BAT study also reveals, one in six German citizens over the age of 14 refuses to accept restrictions on their leisure activities. Among those who enjoy leisure time at the expense of the environment, men (18) are slightly more represented than women (14), and the younger generation (19) more so than those over forty (14).
And there are significantly more leisure enthusiasts at any price in Hesse, Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate (22 %) compared to Bavaria (13 %) or Baden-Württemberg (12 %).
Whether surfers, sailors, or skiers – most want to behave in an environmentally conscious way. However, over 7 million German citizens want to preserve their leisure time and personal independence at all costs, to enjoy their hobbies and free time, "even if the environment is adversely affected as a result." This group could become a "risk factor" for nature and the landscape in the coming years.
However, "The willingness to accept noticeable restrictions is not the same as actual action," explains Prof. Dr. Horst W. Opaschowski, head of the BAT Leisure Research Institute, regarding the survey results. "There will be no correlation between expressed willingness to make sacrifices and actual behavior. This is because, on the one hand, the environment must be protected, and on the other hand, personal freedom in leisure time should be preserved. Looking ahead, the difficult path of walking a tightrope between environmental impact and restrictions on leisure time is becoming apparent."„
As the BAT study also reveals, one in six German citizens over the age of 14 refuses to accept restrictions on their leisure activities. Among those who enjoy leisure time at the expense of the environment, men (18) are slightly more represented than women (14), and the younger generation (19) more so than those over forty (14).
And there are significantly more leisure enthusiasts at any price in Hesse, Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate (22 %) compared to Bavaria (13 %) or Baden-Württemberg (12 %).
Whether surfers, sailors, or skiers – most want to behave in an environmentally conscious way. However, over 7 million German citizens want to preserve their leisure time and personal independence at all costs, to enjoy their hobbies and free time, "even if the environment is adversely affected as a result." This group could become a "risk factor" for nature and the landscape in the coming years.
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