A new study from the University of Eastern Finland gives prisoners in Finland a voice in the current sustainability transformation debate, showing that their perceptions of sustainable development vary greatly, ranging from individual everyday actions to global environmental issues. In general, prisoners express a willingness to act responsibly, with prison structures, however, posing some challenges. The study was conducted in three Finnish prisons in 2024–2025, involving thematic interviews with a total of eight prisoners.

The study found that prisoners identified climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss as serious problems. Many associated sustainability with practical everyday actions, such as recycling and saving energy. Simple actions, like conserving water and energy, as well as cultural practices such as sauna and family celebrations, were considered important for well-being and sustainability.

Prisoners felt that prison structures create barriers for their participation in sustainability efforts. For instance, prison conditions restrict opportunities for proper waste management or contact with nature. Lack of internet access and limited access to information increase prisoners’ sense of exclusion from social issues, including sustainability efforts. Prisoners were sceptical of political decisions and felt that sustainability efforts sometimes overshadowed things they deemed more important.

“Freedom was seen as an enabler of a more sustainable lifestyle and a better future,” says Postdoctoral Researcher Sirpa Manninen of the University of Eastern Finland, the lead author of the study.
Many prisoners planned to adopt a sustainable lifestyle after their release, including becoming self-sufficient and cutting down on consumption. Sustainability efforts were also seen as a social and moral project where everyone is expected to take responsibility.

The study points out that sustainability programmes in prisons should not be implemented as top-down initiatives. Inclusive practices are needed to support prisoners’ agency and strengthen their environmental citizenship.

“This way, we can promote ecological goals and social justice, delivering on the promise of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind when it comes to sustainability efforts.”

The study is part of the Sufficiency Solutions for a Resilient, Green and Just Finland project, funded by the Strategic Research Council established at the Research Council of Finland.