10 simple ways to live sustainably in Austria

Living sustainably in Austria is accessible through 10 simple practices: switching to green energy (36.4% of Austria's energy comes from renewables), using public transport (extensive train and bus networks), shopping at thrift stores and second-hand shops, downloading eco-friendly apps, composting at home, shopping local at farmers markets, going paperless with banking, signing up for recipe kits to reduce food waste, and recycling through Austria's comprehensive waste separation system.

If you're an expat setting up home in Austria, living sustainably might not be at the top of your priority list. However, if you're an environmentally-minded expat, you might be interested to know that living greener in Austria is easier than you might have imagined. Our guide looks at the many everyday ways you can live more sustainably in Austria, from commuting to grocery shopping.

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1. Switch to Green Energy

Can living more sustainably in Austria be as easy as simply flicking a switch in the comfort of your own home? Well, it could be if you sign up for the right green energy options for your new place in the country. Thankfully, Austria offers plenty of choices For picking a green energy supplier.

As of 2021, renewable resources make up an impressive 36.4% of Austria's total energy share. Hydroelectricity is the country's largest renewable resource, but Austria also produces energy from wind and biomass. This makes it easier than ever to plug into green energy sources at home.

Energy providers in Austria offering green power include AAE Naturstrom (100% renewable energy from hydropower, wind, and solar), Oekostrom AG (Austria's first 100% green electricity provider), Unsere Wasserkraft (focuses on regional hydropower), and Wien Energie (offers green energy packages alongside conventional options). When setting up utilities, compare providers' green credentials, pricing, and contract terms.

2. Stay Grounded (Reduce Flying)

Aviation contributes significantly to carbon emissions. While living in Austria, take advantage of excellent train connections throughout Europe. ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) connects Vienna to major European cities including Zurich, Munich, Prague, Budapest, and Venice. Night trains offer comfortable overnight travel to Berlin, Hamburg, and Rome.

For longer journeys, consider train travel over flying when time permits. The experience is often more comfortable, productive, and scenic than air travel, while dramatically reducing your carbon footprint.

3. Shop Thriftily

Austria has thriving second-hand and vintage markets. Humana and Caritas operate charity shops throughout Austrian cities selling quality used clothing, furniture, and household items. Vintage stores in Vienna's Neubau district and other urban neighborhoods offer curated selections of pre-loved fashion and home goods.

Online platforms like willhaben.at (Austria's version of Craigslist) help with buying and selling used items locally. Flohmarkt (flea markets) operate regularly in most cities, offering everything from clothing to antiques. Shopping second-hand reduces consumption of new resources and extends product lifecycles.

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4. Download the Right Apps

Smartphone apps support sustainable living. Too Good To Go connects you with restaurants and cafés selling surplus food at reduced prices, preventing waste. RepaNet helps locate repair cafés and services where items can be fixed instead of replaced. ÖBB Scotty provides public transport journey planning throughout Austria. BlaBlaCar help withs carpooling for longer journeys, reducing individual car trips.

5. Leave the Car at Home

Austria's public transport infrastructure makes car-free living practical in most cities. Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, and Innsbruck all feature comprehensive tram, bus, and train networks. Annual public transport passes (Jahreskarte) in Vienna cost approximately €365, just €1 per day, making unlimited transport extremely affordable.

For trips requiring more flexibility, bike-sharing systems (Citybike in Vienna, nextbike in other cities) provide convenient, eco-friendly options. Austria's cycling infrastructure continues expanding, with protected bike lanes and traffic-calmed zones making cycling safer and more pleasant.

6. Go Paperless with Your Banking

Most Austrian banks offer paperless banking through online portals and mobile apps. Opt for electronic statements, digital receipts, and online-only communication. This eliminates paper waste from monthly statements, promotional materials, and correspondence. Banks like Erste Bank, Raiffeisen, and N26 all support comprehensive digital banking.

7. Compost at Home

If you have outdoor space, home composting dramatically reduces organic waste sent to landfills. Austria's climate suits composting, kitchen scraps, garden waste, and cardboard break down into nutrient-rich soil amendment for gardens or potted plants.

Many Austrian municipalities provide subsidized compost bins and free advice on home composting. Even apartment dwellers can maintain small worm composting systems (vermicomposting) indoors, processing kitchen scraps in compact containers.

8. Sign Up for a Recipe Kit

Recipe kit services deliver pre-portioned ingredients for specific meals, reducing food waste from unused ingredients. Services operating in Austria include HelloFresh, Marley Spoon, and local alternatives. While these generate packaging waste, they significantly reduce food waste compared to typical grocery shopping where ingredients often spoil before use.

For maximum sustainability, choose providers using recyclable or compostable packaging and sourcing ingredients locally when possible.

9. Shop Local

Austria's farmers markets (Bauernmärkte) operate year-round in most towns and cities. Vienna's Naschmarkt, Karmelitermarkt, and neighborhood markets offer fresh, seasonal produce directly from regional farmers. Buying local reduces transportation emissions, supports regional agriculture, and provides fresher, more flavorful food.

Many Austrian farms operate "Ab-Hof" (farm shop) programs where you purchase directly from producers. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs deliver weekly boxes of seasonal vegetables from local farms, connecting consumers directly with food production.

10. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle

Austria has one of Europe's highest recycling rates, supported by comprehensive waste separation systems. Households separate waste into multiple categories: Restmüll (residual waste), Altpapier (paper/cardboard), Leichtverpackungen (lightweight packaging, plastic, metal, drink cartons), Biomüll (organic waste), and Glas (glass, separated by color).

Most apartment buildings provide multiple bins for different waste streams. Municipal recycling centers (Mistplätze in Vienna) accept electronics, batteries, hazardous waste, and bulky items free for residents. Austria's deposit system (Pfand) for bottles encourages return and reuse of beverage containers.

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