Poll shows Greeks reluctant to swap goods, buy used items

Most Greeks are reluctant to barter or buy second-hand items, a new study has shown.

According to the Public Issue survey, which was commission by WWF’s “Kalyteri Zoi” (Better Life) program, only 12 percent of Greeks had swapped some kind of good over the past year. No more than 14 percent had bought a used item over the same period.

Up to 69 percent of those surveyed had given away items to family and friends, or charity, over the past year – mainly clothes, but also books and electronics.

“We still have not grasped the benefits of extending the life cycle of material goods on the environment, society and family income,” said Achilleas Plitharas, head of the environmental organization’s “Kalyteri Zoi” campaign that is subsidized by the Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation.

“One man’s garbage can be another man’s treasure,” Plitharas said as the eco group launched a three-month public awareness campaign about swapping items.

Questioned about their lack of a barter culture, 18 percent of Greeks said they felt no need to swap goods, while 14 percent said they did not see it as part of their culture.

Despite the small share of people engaging in barter transactions, 63 percent said they were willing to try it in the future.

The poll was conducted between June 11-19 on a sample of just over 1,000 people in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patra, Iraklio and Larisa.