Demand for electronic devices in the context of sustainable development – evidence from Poland

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to identify how the goals of sustainable development in the area of responsible consumption are realized, using the example of demand for electronic devices in Poland, and to identify opportunities for its solution. Design/methodology/approach: The article undertook to answer the question: how to reduce the negative impact of excessive consumption of electronic devices on the sustainable development goal of responsible production and consumption? The following methods were used: literature review, analysis of the results of research institutions and consulting agencies, deductive reasoning. Findings: The causes of excessive consumption of electronic devices and the generation of harmful waste are not only the relatively low awareness of consumers, but also the strategies of producers inspired by technological progress and the intensity of global competition. Therefore, in order to reduce this problem and increase the possibility of implementing the principles of responsible production and consumption, systemic solutions involving three parties are proposed: consumers, producers and the state. Practical implications: Opportunities and courses of action to reduce excessive demand for new electronic devices were suggested, which would better achieve the sustainable development goals in the area of responsible consumption. Originality/value: The article is a contribution/voice to the discussion of the controversy surrounding the implementation of sustainable development principles in the context of technological progress and the desire of companies to maximize profits. Keywords: sustainability, responsible consumption, consumer attitudes, electronic market. Category of the paper: Conceptual paper.