What motivates and inhibits Indian textile firms to embrace sustainability?

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the disclosure of sustainable development goals (SDGs) by Indian firms and to examine the association between sustainable business practices and the disclosure of SDGs. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on large Indian non-financial firms listed in Bombay Stock Exchange 200 for six years from 2016–2017 to 2021–2022. Sustainable business practices are measured using four important indicators - the quality of sustainability discourse, compliance with Global Reporting Initiative guidelines, adoption of the guidelines of the International Integrated Reporting Council and external assurance of published reports. Content analysis is used to compute the disclosure score of SDGs and corporate sustainability performance. The authors have used a fixed effects regression model followed by Tobit model and two-stage least square model to examine the association between sustainable business practices and the disclosure of SDGs. Findings The results indicate an increasing trend of disclosure of SDGs by Indian firms. The empirical findings suggest a positive impact of sustainable business practices on the SDGs disclosure after controlling for firm-specific and corporate governance variables. Among the components of corporate sustainability, social and environmental factors positively influence the SDGs. Originality/value The study is a noble attempt to enrich the extant literature by providing empirical evidence on the association between sustainable business practices and disclosure of SDGs considering four important indicators of sustainable practices. The findings are useful for theoretical and practical implications.

This community service aims to increase environmental awareness and the formation of moral character of students at SMK Perpajakan Riau with an approach based on educational philosophy and environmental ethics. This activity involves an understanding of global and local environmental issues, as well as an introduction to environmental ethics that connects moral values ​​with responsibility towards nature. The methods used include counseling, group discussions, and environmental projects that involve students in concrete actions, such as planting trees and reducing plastic waste. Evaluation was carried out through questionnaires before and after the activity to measure changes in students' knowledge, attitudes, and commitment to the environment. The results showed a significant increase in students' understanding of environmental issues and concrete actions that can be taken to maintain sustainability. Although moral awareness of the environment increased, the greatest impact was seen in changes in students' knowledge and real actions. With this approach, it is hoped that students will not only have strong environmental knowledge, but also a character that cares and is responsible for nature. This activity reflects the integration between the theory of educational philosophy and the practice of sustainability in education.

Businesses that adopt sustainable practices often gain a competitive edge. By rethinking product design and supply chain processes, companies can significantly lower costs associated with raw material procurement and waste disposal. Thus, organizations can implement strategies that focus on designing products for longevity, facilitating repair and refurbishment, and utilizing sustainable materials. These practices not only reduce environmental impact but also resonate with consumers who increasingly prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions. This research investigates the willingness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in North Macedonia to implement sustainable practices, including reduced energy consumption, decreased waste generation, increased investment in waste management infrastructure, enhanced professional training for employees on sustainable business practices and greater reliance on local supply chains and staff recruitment. For that purpose, a survey among 320 private sector companies of varying sizes and sectors regarding their implementation of sustainable practices in daily operations was conducted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. The findings indicate that Macedonian companies are already incorporating sustainable practices into their operations. The most frequently adopted sustainable practices include reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste generation, limiting the use of hazardous substances and increasing recycling efforts. Conversely, the least commonly implemented circular practices involve local staff recruitment, the use of local supply chains and the promotion of sustainable business practices among suppliers. Regarding the challenges companies face in advancing sustainable practices, the primary obstacles identified are the need for investments in technology and equipment, as well as the strengthening of organizational capacities and the training and recruitment of qualified personnel. Additionally, companies are encouraged to explore innovative business models, such as the product-as-a-service model, where customers pay for the use of a product rather than owning it outright. This approach enhances customer engagement and ensures that products are returned to the manufacturer for refurbishment or recycling, thus extending their lifecycle. The adoption of sustainable practices also aligns with regulatory trends and societal expectations. Governments worldwide are implementing policies aimed at promoting sustainability, and businesses that proactively embrace circular principles are better positioned to comply with these regulations while enhancing their corporate reputation. As stakeholders increasingly demand transparency and accountability, companies that prioritize sustainability and circularity can strengthen brand loyalty and attract environmentally conscious consumers. In conclusion, the adoption of sustainable practices by businesses in North Macedonia is not merely a trend but an essential evolution in response to global environmental challenges. By rethinking resource use and embracing sustainable practices, companies can drive innovation, reduce costs, and meet the growing demand for responsible business operations. As more organizations recognize the benefits, the potential for positive environmental and economic impacts grows, thus paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the adoption of sustainable farming practices in the United States: a study on farmer behavior. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study on the adoption of sustainable farming practices in the United States revealed that a significant number of farmers are increasingly adopting methods such as crop rotation, organic farming, and reduced use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, motivated by environmental concerns and economic incentives. However, barriers to adoption include the high initial costs and perceived risk of lower yields, which deter some farmers from fully committing to sustainable practices. Despite these challenges, there is a growing trend towards sustainability, supported by governmental incentives and an increasing market demand for organically produced goods. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of innovations theory, theory of planned behavior (TPB) & social cognitive theory (SCT) may be used to anchor future studies on analyze adoption of sustainable farming practices in the United States: a study on farmer behavior. Agricultural extension services should develop specialized programs that focus on the practical benefits of sustainable practices, tailored to specific farming contexts and crops. Governments should consider offering financial incentives, such as subsidies or tax breaks, for farmers who adopt and maintain sustainable practices.

Purpose Detrimental environmental conditions require immediate action from business owners to adopt sustainable practices in business operations. However, the adoption of sustainable practices is one of the biggest problems in developing countries. To uplift the adoption process of sustainable practices, the present study aims to examine the impact of environmental laws, incentives and subsidies, awareness campaigns, green consumerism and community engagement on the adoption of sustainable practices. Moreover, the use of technology moderates the relationship between awareness campaigns and adoption of sustainable practices and community engagement and adoption of sustainable practices. Design/methodology/approach The cross-sectional data were collected from the 328 employees of the manufacturing firms related to the textile industry. The data were analyzed through SPSS v26 and Smartpls v4.1.0.9. Findings The findings of the study show that incentives and subsidies, green consumerism and community engagement significantly influence organizations to adopt sustainable practices. On the contrary, the direct relationship between environmental laws and the adoption of sustainable practices remains non-significant. Similarly, the use of technology as a moderator between the relations of awareness campaigns, community engagement and adoption of sustainable practices remains non-significant. Practical implications The government should create a push with the implementation of environmental laws and a pull factor with the use of incentives and subsidies for business owners to adopt sustainable practices. In addition to governmental interventions, public awareness, consumer pressure through physical and digital media and community engagement play a significant role in the adoption of sustainable practices. In the present business functions, the role of technology is inevitable. Considering the influential role of technology, the researchers guide the policymakers to use technology for awareness campaigns and for community engagement, which in turn are helpful for business owners to adopt sustainable business practices. Originality/value The integration of the push and pull theory along with the technology acceptance model provides novel contributions for academics, practitioners and policymakers. These contributions are insightful to accelerate the process of adoption of sustainable practices, which are beneficial in the long term for mankind.

Sustainable practices of the large-scale textile firms in Ghana

Managing natural resources, and at the same time increasing productivity in agriculture, is the thrust of research and extension all over the world. Achieving long-term food security without depleting natural resources can be achieved by adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Sustainable agricultural practices, or agriculture per se, seek the wider adoption of practices that are ecologically sound and maintain the long-term ecological and biological integrity of natural resources. Sustainable practices in agriculture include integrated pest management, integrated nutrient management, soil conservation and water management, among others. Much of the dynamics of the diffusion process of sustainable agricultural practices, for adoption or rejection of these practices, can be analysed and understood on the basis of sound understanding of diffusion and adoption theory. The diffusion researchers have mostly analysed farmers’ differences in analysing adoption or rejection of innovation/technology. Very little attention has been paid to technology attributes or technology inappropriateness. In this chapter, we have analysed factors impacting diffusion and adoption of sustainable natural resource management practices in agriculture and different models that can be employed to predict adoption or rejection, in future times. The researchers involved in an innovation development process should consider factors propelling adoption or rejection before commercialisation of a technology. Diffusion researchers need to employ alternative field experimental before-after designs, in which data are gathered at different points in time rather than post hoc data collection, to overcome farmer blame and pro-technology biases. We are of the firm belief that diffusion of innovation research must be given full recognition by research and development, and change agencies involved in agricultural sciences.

Adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of farming systems, protecting the environment, and promoting food security and economic prosperity for future generations. If the sustainable practices are not aligned with farmers’ needs, adoption status may likely to be low. To investigate the adoption behavior of farmers in the different dimensions of sustainable practices, a study was conducted in Manipur during November 2021 to July 2023. The data was gathered from randomly selected 320 respondents. The findings highlighted that the highest adopted sustainable agricultural practices was MW (manual weeding) and CR (crop rotation). Most of the respondents belonged to the medium level of adoption with a 51.53 adoption index. Using binary logistic regression, the effect of independent variables on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices was tested. The model exhibits below moderate relationships, predicting 25.00 per cent of decisions to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, which can be explained by the independent variables. Furthermore, out of the eleven variables, seven variables were importantly influenced on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Boosting farmers’ confidence through technology demonstration, awareness campaigns about the benefits of sustainable technology, and implementing a well-designed, user-friendly interface with feedback mechanisms can significantly enhance adoption rates.

The increasing pressure on agricultural production systems to achieve global food security and prevent environmental degradation necessitates a transition towards more sustainable practices. The purpose of this scoping review is to understand how the incentives offered to farmers motivate the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and, ultimately, how and whether they result in measurable outcomes. To this end, this scoping review examines the evidence of nearly 18,000 papers on whether incentive-based programmes lead to the adoption of sustainable practices and their effect on environmental, economic and productivity outcomes. We find that independent of the incentive type, programmes linked to short-term economic benefit have a higher adoption rate than those aimed solely at providing an ecological service. In the long run, one of the strongest motivations for farmers to adopt sustainable practices is perceived benefits for either their farms, the environment or both. Beyond this, the importance of technical assistance and extension services in promoting sustainable practices emerges strongly from this scoping review. Finally, we find that policy instruments are more effective if their design considers the characteristics of the target population, and the associated trade-offs between economic, environmental and social outcomes.

Sustainability in the livestock industry has been a significant focus in recent years, specifically in areas of environmental impact and animal welfare. However, research into how producers define sustainability or how to achieve it seems limited. Considering the amount of research and advancement in on-farm sustainable applications and management practices, it is important for Extension workers to assess the level of awareness, understanding and usage among beef producers of varied technologies, information, and practices. To align educational programming with areas of need or facilitate change in behavior and practices toward a more sustainable direction, it is important to understand producers’ willingness to interact with sustainable messaging and practices. An objective of our research study was to assess Alabama beef producers’ opinions of sustainability, sustainable practices within the industry, and their implementation rate of those practices. An IRB approved online survey with 36 questions was developed and distributed to Alabama beef producers from July to November 2024. Questions probed producer opinions on the importance of resources and their views about environmental impact and sustainability, knowledge of Climate-Smart Commodities programs, implementation of certain sustainable practices, and what tools or resources are considered necessary for their operation to adopt and/or further improve sustainability practices. Over one-hundred primarily cow-calf producers from 42 of the 67 counties in Alabama had varying implementation rates (~9-90%) of practices that can increase sustainability and resource management, specifically grazing management plans, growth promoting technologies, and animal handling and welfare training. Further research into sustainable practices and financial information are important for continuing sustainability practice implementation. Providing producers with financial information or counseling on decision making could increase adoption of sustainability practices. Extension educators may use results from this research to guide development of financial advisory programming and sustainability resource management information for producers.

Objective: this study aims to verify the adoption of sustainable rating criteria and practices in the acquisitions of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) from the Federal Institutes of Education, Science and Technology (IFECT) in the north of Brazil. Theoretical Reference: The work is based on sustainable public acquisitions as an inducer of sustainable development, through the adoption of sustainability rating criteria and practices in acquisitions of public institutions. Method: This research was characterized as exploratory and has used a qualitative approach, to verify the adoption of rating criteria and sustainable practices in the acquisition of EEE from the IFECT, through a documental analysis in the documents of the planning phase of the acquisitions. Results and conclusion: data analysis revealed that the adoption of sustainability rating criteria and practices in IFECTs EEEs acquisitions is still very unsatisfactory. However, it showed a slight improvement between 2018 and 2021 and demonstrated that some IFECTs have more consolidated hiring plans. However, the need for improvements in all IFECTs, especially IFAM and IFPA. Implication of the research: the research makes explicit, through its results, the need to identify the factors that hinder the adoption of sustainability rating criteria and practices in public procurement, as well as the need for advances in this field. Originality/value: the research sought to demonstrate the important role and impact that public acquisitions has on sustainable development, in addition to the need to advance in the actions taken so that public sustainability policies are effective in procurement processes.

This paper examines the moderating role of Islamic corporate governance on the link between sustainable business practices and the firm’s financial performance. A post-crisis period sustainability data for the decade of 2008–2017 was collected by the study. For data collection, this study used the weighted content method. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) statistical test was used for empirical testing. The results of the study found that the link between sustainable business practices with the firm’s financial performance measured from the shareholders’ and the management’s perspective is positive, while the subjected link measured from the market perspective was found to be insignificant. This implies that the market stakeholders of the Islamic banks are reluctant for their bank’s spending on sustainable business practices. Interestingly, the insignificant link between sustainable business practices and market performance became significant with the moderating role of Shariah governance and managerial ownership. It shows that the moderating role of Shariah governance and managerial ownership is giving confidence to market stakeholders of Islamic banks for receiving a higher financial return through sustainable business practices initiatives. These results may provide insights for several policymakers of the Islamic banking industry about integrating vital sustainability practices in their business models and about the balanced moderating role of Islamic corporate governance in the link between sustainable business practice and the firm’s financial performance. It provides a roadmap to the Islamic banking industry for efficient management of sustainability practices from an Islamic perspective and subsequently improvement of financial performance through it.

PurposeThis paper aims to study sustainable business practices of two Spanish small and medium enterprise (SMEs) belonging to different sectors: a winery and a paint company. Special attention is paid to the drivers of such business practices and the lessons that can be learnt from them.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a comparative case study approach. The authors describe and compare two business cases from different industry sectors. This paper concludes with several findings that could be of interest for some other companies, as well as interesting areas of future research.FindingsA comparison of sustainable business practices and their drivers. Similarities and differences between companies lead to different approaches to sustainability. Sustainability may be understood as a strategic tool in order to achieve competitive advantages and help companies successfully operate internationally.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this research is the specific sectors in which it has been carried out that can limit the application of the findings. Further research in additional industry sectors needs to be done to support the implications found in this paper.Practical implicationsCompanies need to consider sustainability practices as a long‐term investment instead of as an immediate cost. Culture is a decisive factor in the implementation of sustainable practices.Social implicationsCustomers can force companies to implement sustainable practices. However, it has been observed that sometimes there is a need for strict regulations in the sector to encourage companies to implement such practices since customers may not be influenced by the company's sustainable practices.Originality/valueThis research studies and compares actual sustainable business practices in two SMEs based in Spain, but of international activity and belonging to different industry sectors. The main drivers and characteristics of sustainable practices are compared and general implications are drawn from the study.

A survey was designed and administered to 172 business professionals in the United States in 2015 to obtain their assessments of both the current status and future development of sustainable business practices at their companies. Despite the recent attention given to corporate social responsibility, we find that only 34 percent of respondents have a comprehensive sustainable management plan currently in place. However, the survey indicates that by 2021 that percentage is expected to increase to 54 percent. We also find that the six most popular sustainable business practices are recycling material, reducing waste, using less paper, employing energy-efficient technologies, conserving water, and adopting energy-efficient building designs. Respondents indicate their firms are likely to increase expenditures or investment in these same six sustainable practices from 2016-2021. This suggests these particular practices are viewed as being more feasible and beneficial to implement. Among the background variables investigated, we find that affiliation with an organization promoting sustainability is the most prominent; respondents affiliated with sustainability organizations are more likely to engage in sustainable business practices. Another significant background variable is firm size; large firms are more likely to be engaged in sustainable practices than smaller firms.

This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of urban women homemakers in Lucknow regarding sustainable kitchen gardening. The research aims to understand the factors influencing the adoption of sustainable gardening practices and to identify barriers to their implementation. Using a self-structured questionnaire, data were collected from 125 respondents, revealing that the majority were middle-aged, post-graduate educated, full-time homemakers with moderate family incomes. Findings show that while 44% of respondents were somewhat familiar with sustainable gardening, composting was the most widely recognized practice. However, awareness of other sustainable practices, such as using drought-tolerant plants, remained limited. Most respondents had positive attitudes toward sustainable gardening, driven by personal interest rather than community or family traditions. Key challenges identified included space limitations, time constraints, and pest management, while water availability was not a significant concern. Notably, 76% of respondents had established kitchen gardens, with many relying on online resources and social media for information. Organic pest control was the most common practice, while techniques like companion planting were less prevalent. The study found significant correlations between socio-demographic factors, such as occupation and homeownership, with respondents’ understanding of sustainable gardening practices. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational initiatives and digital outreach to promote sustainable gardening practices, addressing barriers to further adoption among urban women in Lucknow. Article highlights Socioeconomic influence on gardening practices The study reveals that middle-aged, educated, and married urban women homemakers with moderate income levels are more likely to adopt sustainable kitchen gardening. Factors such as homeownership and flexible schedules contribute to their active participation, highlighting the influence of socio-demographic stability on gardening adoption. Knowledge gaps and adoption of sustainable practices While 44% of respondents were moderately familiar with sustainable gardening, practices like composting were widely adopted, whereas techniques such as using drought-tolerant plants and companion planting were less common. This underscores the need for targeted educational interventions to bridge knowledge gaps and promote diverse sustainable practices. Barriers and opportunities in promoting sustainability Space limitations, time constraints, and pest management were identified as major barriers to sustainable kitchen gardening, despite positive attitudes and long-term engagement (76% of respondents had gardens for over six years). Leveraging digital platforms and social media as primary sources of information can play a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges and expanding outreach.