Oral Presentation by Mia Gesa Lehn¹, Julia Fülling¹
¹ Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Germany
TIME: Thursday, 16 July, 10:30 – 12:00
Location: Room 4
Session: 20
Abstract
Social innovations for sustainable consumption contribute to reduce negative social and environmental impacts of current consumption patterns and challenge neoliberal and profit-orientated production logics. In community-organized initiatives such as repair cafés or energy cooperatives, , consumers become active co-creators. Studies indicate that emotional processes play a major role in whether people collectively engage in environmental protection and remain committed in the long term. However, emotional experiences do not arise in a vacuum, but in relation to external circumstances and thus in relation to socio-political conditions. As part of the REsI project emotional dynamics that arise in the context of civic engagement in social innovations for sustainable consumption are analyzed. This presentation provides an overview of the current status of the project. It outlines the results of a literature review, a survey of around 200–300 active members in social innovations for sustainable consumption, and first findings from two case studies – repair cafés and seedbanks - held in spring 2026. The case studies were picked on the basis of expected emancipatory potential and diversity of reached audiences of the activities of the initiative. The emotional dynamics are placed in relation to the socio-political conditions in which the initiatives operate. First analyses show that arising unpleasant emotions, like frustration, sadness, and disappointment, are closely related to the central challenges of social innovations for sustainable consumption, such as a lack of financing or suitable spaces. These challenges are especially important in times of shrinking civic spaces and increased pressure on initiatives (defunding, debanking). Another emotional challenge that was frequently reported was the exhaustion of volunteers, who often feel a high level of responsibility. This seems to be related to the prior-mentioned structural challenges as well as problems with recruiting new members. Last but not least, initial conclusions are presented on how emotions can be incorporated into the communication strategies and activities of initiatives in order to attract and retain members, and what political structures are required to strengthen motivating emotions.