The problem of large amounts of waste is becoming increasingly pronounced in a consumer society based on a linear economy model. It is based on the principles of take, make, use and discard. A more sustainable way of life is stereotypically seen in society as a luxury that ordinary people cannot afford and thus continue to represent after faster consumer spending.
This thesis aims to determine whether a sustainable lifestyle is adopted by individuals with higher incomes and whether this lifestyle is more popular among young people. To do so, the empirical method of a questionnaire has been used and addressed to the Facebook group Dom brez odpadkov. Through the analysis of the data, it has been established that an individual’s income does not affect their adopting a sustainable way of life. Surprisingly, it has been found that it is the age group over 61 lives that most sustainably.
The diploma thesis also focuses on the elements of a circular economy and why its implementation in the current economy is so important. The thesis also presents the Slovenian company Melamin d.d., which is already introducing a circular management model as part of its operations. The company replaced their fossil fuel boiler room with a wood biomass boiler room powered by a by-product of local wood processors. The last part presents how an individual can contribute to a more sustainable way of life, as the end consumer ultimately dictates the guidelines of the economy in terms of supply and demand. The diploma thesis thoroughly addresses the problem of linear economy and with the help of analyzes at least partially disproves some of some general misconceptions of the inaccessibility of life with less waste.
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