Consumption Practices Research Articles

Unraveling Green Marketing and Greenwashing: A Systematic Review in the Context of the Fashion and Textiles Industry

Greenwashing is a prevalent issue in the fashion and textile industry, a sector known as one of the largest industrial polluters worldwide. The multi-trillion-dollar industry’s trend-driven, low-cost production models and the availability of numerous distribution options have led to mass consumption, significantly impacting consumer behavior. The aim of this review is to document and analyze the direct and indirect practices of greenwashing in the fashion industry and its impact on consumers. It also seeks to highlight the existence of greenwashing in the industry’s supply and consumption chain. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was employed to examine the complex implications of greenwashing within the fashion industry. Relevant studies from the past decade were identified through comprehensive searches on Elsevier Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus. This review found that some companies resort to greenwashing by promoting a green image without making substantial environmental or social changes. It also revealed varied interpretations and misinterpretations of green-related terms by consumers. The findings underscore the need for transparency and honesty in the fashion industry’s green marketing strategies. They also highlight the importance of consumer education to prevent misinterpretation of green-related terms and to promote sustainable consumption practices.

Tensions of place and opposing emblems of authenticity and marginal gentrification in Grünerløkka, Oslo

This study investigates multiple discourses surrounding the trends, changes and opposing emblematic signage of authenticity and the ideological constructions of place within Grünerløkka, Oslo, Norway. Our theoretical framework is grounded within the political economy of place and the sociolinguistics of authenticity. Three different datasets are used in the analysis: a) 60 interviews conducted with local residents, business owners and journalists; b) multilingual and multimodal signage found within this neighborhood's changing linguistic and semiotic landscapes; and c) texts from online media. We take both a discourse and multimodal analytic approach in our investigation of the circulating tensions of place found both ‘online’ and ‘offline’ of what constitutes an ‘authentic’ neighborhood to individuals. Our findings suggest that the conflicting ideologies of authenticity are bound to the pressures of change and resistance. These are inextricably connected to local consumer practices that are inevitably tied to global market forces and marketing strategies within the social and material constructions of urban landscapes.

Awareness and Practice Regarding Alcohol Consumption among Females in Rural Areas of Nepal

Consuming alcohol is defined as ingesting alcoholic beverages that include ethyl alcohol, such as wine, beer, whiskey, rum, and handmade alcoholic beverages called "Raksi." Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health issues. Thus, this study aimed to assess the awareness regarding alcohol consumption among females in rural areas of Nepal. A cross-sectional and analytical study was designed to assess the level of awareness and practice regarding alcohol consumption. Total 423 females of the 20-50 years age groups, engaged in “Raksi '' preparation sites were selected. The data collection period was from 2021 July to 2022. A face-to-face interview was done with each individual. All questions related to awareness and practice regarding questionnaires were analyzed accordingly in univariate analysis and bi-variate analysis to find out the association between the variables. The result showed that the mean age of the females was 36.08 with a standard deviation of 7.951. and 51.7% were below the mean age of 36. Among 423 females 22.3 % knew AUD, 56.7% were aware of health consequences, and only 13.3% were aware of treatment protocol of health consequences. Females having inappropriate practices of alcohol consumption were 54.2%. There is an association between awareness regarding consumption and religion, marital status, educational status, and occupation with p=0.043, 0.036, 0.046, and 0.033 respectively. Similarly, the inappropriate practice of alcohol consumption has a significant relation with religion, educational status, and occupation with p values of 0.049,0.034, and 0.003 respectively. Even though there is a higher percentage of females were literate, there is a lack of awareness regarding alcohol consumption and inappropriate drinking habits. Further comparative study can be done in this aspect. Simultaneously, awareness and education-related programs can be implemented to address the problem.

A time of decline: An eco-anthropological and ethnohistorical investigation of mpox in the Central African Republic.

The Central African Republic (CAR) has experienced repeated mpox outbreaks since 2001. Although several mpox epidemiological risk factors for zoonotic and interhuman transmission have been documented, the reasons for more frequent epidemic outbreaks are less well understood, relying on vague explanatory categories, including deforestation, hunting, and civil unrest. To gain insight into increasingly frequent outbreaks, we undertook an ethnohistorical, eco-anthropological analysis in two CAR regions: the Lobaye prefecture, experiencing one or more annual outbreaks in the past decade, and the Sangha-Mbaere prefecture, with a longer history of mpox but less frequent outbreaks. We comparatively examined changing political economies, forest use practices, and understandings of mpox. In 2022, we conducted 40 qualitative ethnohistorical, anthropological interviews and participant-observation of forest activities in two languages (Sango and French). We compared contemporary practices with hunting, trapping, and meet consumption practices, documented through quantitative and qualitative observation in one research site, over 6 months in 1993. We find increased rodent capture and consumption in both sites in the past 30 years and expanded practices of other potentially risky activities. Simultaneously, we also identify important differences in risky practices between our Lobaye and Sangha-Mbaere participants. In addition, Lobaye and Sangha participants underscored historical processes of decline producing mpox among other emergences, but they framed these declension processes diversely as economic, political, nutritional, and moral. Our findings are important because they mobilize new types of evidence to shed light on the processual dynamics of mpox outbreaks in the CAR. This study also reveals variability across two sites within the same country, highlighting the importance of comparative, fine-grained anthropological and historical research to identify underlying dynamics of mpox outbreaks. Finally, our study points to the need for mpox interventions and risk communication accounting for these regional differences, even within a single country.

Sustainable Consumption Behaviour and Common Goods: Education, Culture, Rule of Law, Work, and Solidarity

It is increasingly imperative to foster consumption behaviours that are more environmentally responsible. In order to design impact and sustainable actions that promote a transition to a more sustainable society, it is crucial to understand the underlying motivators that drive this change. Within this framework, this study sought to demonstrate how the comprehensive experience of common goods (solidarity, work, rule of law, culture, and education) is linked to such consumption behaviours. In order to test this hypothesis, a hypothetical-deductive quantitative approach was utilised, employing the second-generation statistical technique of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. The results revealed that only the common good of Solidarity exhibits a significant relationship with Sustainable Consumption Behaviour. Additionally, Work and Education as common goods demonstrate a relationship of relative importance with this behaviour. Additionally, relationships were found between the common good, showcasing the interconnectedness rooted in cultural norms that strengthen individuals' experiences and, thus, cultivate a sense of community - an essential component for promoting consciousness and modifying behaviours. The novelty of this work is that it was not only focused on governing the commons, but also on how they are distributed and maintained for the long term. The theoretical basis was that natural resources are finite goods to which everyone should have access; however, not everyone enjoys them. That is why a limitation in agency impedes the experience of common goods and, therefore, in sustainable consumption. This study demonstrated that prioritising the welfare of others in addition to oneself, known as altruism, enhances the satisfaction derived from selfless consumption. The implications of this research include the development of instructional interventions incorporating motivational aspects to encourage sustainable consumption practices, ultimately supporting the shift necessary for the well-being of future generations.

Устойчивое развитие России и регионов в условиях пандемии

The pandemic has created additional risks for achieving the socio-economic and environmental goals of sustainable development, has largely transformed consumer behavior and created prerequisites for an environmental agenda revision. The purpose of the study is to identify trends in sustainable development during the pandemic, to identify the features of their manifestation in Russian regions, as well as to justify the need for further stimulation of responsible consumption and production practices based on the environmental innovations’ potential. The objectives of the article include the research of sustainable development trends in the world and Russia during the pandemic, identification of risks to achieving socio-economic and environmental goals, disclosure of the sustainable development specifics in Russian regions during the pandemic, and the formation of recommendations aimed at achieving the goals of Russian regions’ sustainable development. It is determined that the pandemic period is characterized by a slowdown in economic growth and an increase of social and environmental tension, which creates risks for achieving sustainable development goals. Such trends are global in nature, and affect the Russian regions. The authors consider the vectors of consumer behavior patterns and organizations’ activities transformation during the pandemic, identify the key tasks for ensuring the Russian regions’ sustainable development at the stage of post-crisis recovery.

Knowledge and Consumption Practice of Energy Drinks among Medical University Students in Mosul, Iraq

Objective: Energy drinks are gaining popularity, and their consumption is associated with adverse effects. This study aims to explore the level of knowledge regarding energy drinks among medical students and the practices of those students who consume these products. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study design was adopted for this work. The survey was distributed among students of medical colleges at the University of Mosul to assess their knowledge and practices regarding energy drinks. Results: A total of 1298 students participated in the study, with 60% being females. Most of the students (89%) knew what energy drinks are, but only 42% knew their ingredients. Almost all the students (95%) were aware that energy drinks have adverse effects, but only a few knew about any beneficial effects these products might have. Only 30% of the participants admitted to consuming energy drinks, with more than half of those students drinking less than five cans monthly. Sugar-containing products were more favored than sugar-free ones, and Tiger™ was the most preferred brand of energy drinks among students. Forty-one percent of the energy drink-consuming students reported experiencing side effects. The knowledge of the side effects of energy drinks was the most commonly reported reason for not consuming these beverages. Older male students in their last two years of study and those living within the city were found to be more knowledgeable about energy drinks. Conclusions: The level of knowledge regarding energy drinks was low, which should be a cause for concern, especially given the increasing popularity of energy drinks and the marketing campaigns targeting youth.

Pull and push factors of Koreans' sustainable consumption behaviours from plant-based meat products

PurposeThis study examines the pull and push aspects of Koreans' sustainable consumption behaviors and their impact on their well-being since Koreans have recently shifted their consumption values toward healthier food, such as plant-based meat products. MethodologyTo analyze the interrelationships, the study uses two different models: the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Pull-Push Model (PPM). PLS-SEM was used to analyze the primary data collected from 159 vegans and vegetarians in Korea who responded to an online survey. FindingsThe findings indicate that pull factors have considerable beneficial impacts on the consumption behavior of consumers about plant-based meat products, whereas push factors do not have significant negative effects, except meat attachment. A consumer's personal life and the product itself significantly influence the consumer's level of well-being. By analyzing both pull and push factors, this study significantly contributes to the expanding research on consumers' environmentally responsible consumption practices. The study's findings could assist government officials and politicians in developing regulations that encourage people to consume more food that is produced sustainably. Promoting a company's wares can be accomplished by utilizing crucial aspects of businesses. ImplicationsThis study attempts to fill a gap in the literature by focusing on the push and pull factors of plant-based meat products on consumers' sustainable consumption behaviors, explored through the lens of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Pull-Push Model (PPM).

Eye infection risks from Pseudomonas aeruginosa via hand soap and eye drops.

Eye infections from bacterial contamination of bulk-refillable liquid soap dispensers and artificial tear eye drops continue to occur, resulting in adverse health outcomes that include impaired vision or eye enucleation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), a common cause of eye infections, can grow in eye drop containers and refillable soap dispensers to high numbers. To assess the risk of eye infection, a quantitative microbial risk assessment for P. aeruginosa was conducted to predict the probability of an eye infection for two potential exposure scenarios: (i) individuals using bacteria-contaminated eye drops and (ii) contact lens wearers washing their hands with bacteria-contaminated liquid soap prior to placing the lens. The median risk of an eye infection using contaminated eye drops and hand soap for both single and multiple exposure events (per day) ranged from 10-1 to 10-4, with contaminated eye drops having the greater risk. The concentration of P. aeruginosa was identified as the parameter contributing the greatest variance on eye infection risk; therefore, the prevalence and level of bacterial contamination of the product would have the greatest influence on health risk. Using eye drops in a single-use container or with preservatives can mitigate bacterial growth, and using non-refillable soap dispensers is recommended to reduce contamination of hand soap. Given the opportunistic nature of P. aeruginosa and its ability to thrive in unique environments, additional safeguards to mitigate bacterial growth and exposure are warranted.IMPORTANCEPseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a pathogen that can persist in a variety of unusual environments and continues to pose a significant risk for public health. This quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) estimates the potential human health risks, specifically for eye infections, associated with exposure to P. aeruginosa in bacteria-contaminated artificial tear eye drops and hand soap. This study applies the risk assessment framework of QMRA to evaluate eye infection risks through both consumer products. The study examines the prevalence of this pathogen in eye drops and soap, as well as the critical need to implement measures that will mitigate bacterial exposure (e.g., single-use soap dispensers and eye drops with preservatives). Additionally, limitations and challenges are discussed, including the need to incorporate data regarding consumer practices, which may improve exposure assessments and health risk estimates.

Nexus between Urban Circular Economies and Sustainable Development Goals: A Systematic Literature Review

Since the definition and publication of the 2030 Agenda in 2015, addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been pivotal in guiding carbon neutrality and sustainable solutions in urban development. Despite the passage of nine years, tangible successes in achieving the SDGs have been limited, underscoring the critical need for innovative approaches to fostering energy performance and reducing carbon emissions. This study advocates for adopting circular economy principles as a strategic pathway to mitigate environmental, social, and economic challenges and promote sustainable, net-zero-energy solutions. Through a systematic literature review spanning multiple databases, this research underscores the synergy between urban circular economies (UCEs) and the SDGs, with a particular focus on sustainable solutions, resource use circularity in construction, and renewable energy integration. By setting stringent eligibility criteria, this review captures a wide array of perspectives, providing a comprehensive analysis that bridges the gap between urban sustainability, renewable energy adoption, and climate change mitigation efforts. The analysis of 23 selected papers reveals a substantial linkage between UCE practices and the advancement of SDGs, highlighting the pivotal roles of responsible consumption, resource efficiency, and regenerative practices in achieving co-benefits through policy and regulatory frameworks towards carbon neutrality. The findings recommend implementing a holistic approach that integrates urban sustainability with circular economy principles, offering a structured insight into the potential of UCEs in fostering a sustainable transition in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Royal Treatment

The Royal Treatment

Royalty and Its Representation in Popular Culture

Royalty and Its Representation in Popular Culture

From goats to Gold Stars: trajectories of consumption, bureaucracy and territory in the Nepal-China borderlands

ABSTRACT Post-colonial legacies of frontier making and border conflicts make the Himalayas a critical place for the study of territorial politics and the governance of space. Following recent calls to address how historical territorial structures shape contemporary experiences across the region, I aim to advance insights about the socio-cultural and political-economic implications of transforming colonial frontiers into post-colonial borders. In this paper, I historicise and assess how new scales of consumption articulate new spatialities of border regimes with respect to the Himalayan frontier in general, and more specifically in the case of distinct bureaucratic systems across sensitive borderland spaces between Nepal and China. To do this, I utilise a material-territorial analytic to demonstrate that modern trade patterns generate new government institutions. In turn, I argue that the administrative effects of everyday consumption practices show how the state operates and takes new shape in historically peripheral frontier and border regions.

Deciphering the dynamics of human-environment interaction in China: Insights into renewable energy, sustainable consumption patterns, and carbon emissions

The increasing acknowledgment of the complex interplay between human actions and the natural world has generated a need to decipher human-environmental interdependence's ecological dynamics. The present research examines the intricate dynamics of the interplay between humans and the environment in China spanning 1975 to 2022. The results show that coal energy (i.e., -0.057, p < 0.050) and fossil fuel consumption (i.e., -0.766, p < 0.050) negatively affect renewable energy outcomes, highlighting the need for transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Conversely, energy use (0.006, p < 0.000), carbon pricing (0.480, p < 0.050), economic growth (0.0005, p < 0.050), and public awareness (0.040, p < 0.010) are positive drivers of renewable energy outcomes, suggesting the importance of policies promoting sustainable energy practices and raising environmental consciousness. Regarding sustainable consumption practices, materialistic practices (-0.0.004, p < 0.050), marketing strategies (-1.642, p < 0.000), and socioeconomic status (-2.026, p < 0.050) have adverse effects, while environmental awareness exhibits a positive influence. These findings underscore the significance of promoting environmentally conscious behavior and addressing societal factors that hinder sustainable consumption patterns. Furthermore, the study reveals that hedonic adaptation (0.036, p < 0.050) contributes to increased carbon emissions, indicating the need for strategies that mitigate the impact of changing living standards on the environment. Conversely, media penetration (-0.028, p < 0.010) and effective government communication are associated with decreased carbon emissions, underscoring the potential of media campaigns and informative communications to foster behavioral changes and encourage sustainable practices. Regulators may develop all-encompassing strategies to fight environmental damage and encourage a better tomorrow by providing incentives for using alternative energy sources, encouraging environmentally aware consumerism, and using the power of the press.

Television and the Formation of Urban Middle-class Identities

The Indian middle class has been a powerful force in the sphere of consumption culture since the formal advent of economic liberalization in 1991. With the advent of television, Indian society has been witnessing changes in class identities. The role of Indian television shows has been instrumental in shaping urban middle-class identities within Indian society. These shows have been effective in creating a desired lifestyle and everyday practices that are symbolic of urban middle-class practices. The objective of this paper is to reflect upon how these shows portray a way of common and relatable practices of the Indian middle class and explore the representation of the middle-class lifestyle. The idea of new modes of consumption reflects itself as a way of economic coercion that the capitalist world is trying to propagate with the practice of mass consumption. Thus, the concept of culture industry attempts to argue how commodification and the consumption of capitalist goods act as a way of manipulation to preserve the reigning capitalistic order. Through the lens of Birmingham School, this paper attempts to understand the process of Indian middle-class formation within the sphere of Television programs. The messages and values deciphered by the content of the television shows are in various ways interpreted by their audience. This study will be based on qualitative data that aims to use several secondary sources such as academic journals, articles, and online blogs to analyze the ideas that are put forward in understanding the very idea of consumption culture and middle-class formation. The investigation is also based on content analysis which will include a thorough analysis of the television show ‘Yeh Meri Family’ and its portrayal of consumerist practice within its specific context. This brings us to the fundamental idea of the paper of examining 'television' as a significant household gadget symbolic to middle-class families and also understanding the content put forward by television shows encouraging consumerist behaviours.

Investigating short video consumption practices by individuals with visual impairments in China: questions of how to ‘see’

Human visual experience is increasingly mediated. As technology facilitates the sharing of diverse images, understanding the world through photography and videos is crucial. However, visuality affects the digital existence of communities with visual impairments. Focusing on the short-video consumption of individuals with visual impairments, this study examines their media experiences in a visually dominant society. Considering its social and technical setting, China is the ideal research site. Using constructivist grounded theory, we implemented open coding on raw data, highlighting initial categories associated with the usage of short-video applications. Contrary to the perception that those with visual impairments are more likely to use auditory-focused devices, we found that this population uses short video apps for entertainment, work, and social interactions and found design barriers and limited accessibility to be additional challenges. This study explains how digital media promotes inclusion and suggests possibilities for more inclusive digital-media development.

Using of Agricultural Land in Astrakhan Region. Problems and Solutions

The article examines the regulation of land relations in the agricultural sector of economy, as well as state and municipal administration of agricultural land use in Astrakhan region. The paper also considers private land ownership, the state land use and the rental system of agricultural land use with the vicious practice of one-time consumption of soil fertility and post-rental degradation of agricultural lands, land rent as a regulation of the rational use of agricultural land and the formation of local budgets using land payments, and other land problems and the ways to solve them. “Words follow facts” (Ivan Petrovich Pavlov).

WASTE SORTING IN A FRONT-LINE CITY: OPINIONS OF KHARKIV RESIDENTS

The article is devoted to the analysis of the problem of social attitude towards waste sorting in exceptional conditions. The author considers this problem within the framework of the general problematic of positions and practices of environmental consumption. The focus of the study is the peculiarities of attitudes towards environmental waste management practices in atypical conditions. The article examines Kharkiv as a front-line city in which military security threats come to the fore, create additional threats to food security, and at the same time disguise them as less important. The goal is to find out how mass consciousness in war conditions distributes empirical material for analysis – an online survey of 309 Kharkiv residents. The results of the study show that a positive attitude towards environmental waste sorting practices has been formed in the minds of Kharkiv residents. However, there is a gap between the declarative level of attitude and the implementation of practices. This gap can be explained both by the lack of a materially designed environment for the formation of sustainable waste sorting practices, and by the shortcomings of the information environment. At the same time, military living conditions in a front-line city do not affect the opinions of citizens about the importance of waste sorting.

Effectiveness of Online Food-Safety Educational Programs: A Systematic Review, Random-Effects Meta-Analysis, and Thematic Synthesis.

Online food-safety educational programs are increasingly important to educate different populations as technology and culture shift to using more technology. However, the broad effectiveness of these programs has yet to be examined. A systematic review, random-effects meta-analysis, and thematic synthesis are conducted to identify the effect size of online food-safety educational programs on knowledge, attitudes, and practices of consumers, food workers, and students and their respective barriers and recommendations. Online food-safety education was found to be of moderate and low effectiveness, with attitudes being the lowest in all populations. Consumers struggled with staying focused, and it was found that messaging should focus on risk communication. Students struggled with social isolation and a lack of time, and it was recommended that videos be used. Food workers struggled with a lack of time for training and difficulty understanding the material, and future programs are recommended to implement shorter but more frequent trainings with simple language. Future online food-safety educational programs should focus on incorporating social elements, as they can remain a huge barrier to learning. They should also focus on changing the participant's attitude to risk perception and beliefs in the importance of food safety.

Building resilience in European food supply chains: results of a Delphi study

The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have negatively affected the sustainability of the food market and contributed significantly to the increase in agricultural prices. The goal of this article is to present the results of a European Delphi study on enabling factors and barriers to developing robustness within food distribution networks. The paper also aims to identify ways to ensure food security and build resilience in supply chains for European Union (EU) citizens, as well as strategies to protect the agricultural sector. The Delphi theses, the expected timing of their implementation and their impact on selected stages of supply chains were assessed. The paper employs a literature review, the Delphi method and STEEPED analysis to identify factors for increasing the robustness of European food distribution networks. The research findings highlighted crucial factors in enhancing food supply chain resilience, including financial aid to farmers, the use of advanced technologies (like AI, remote sensing, GIS, VR, or drones), and the encouragement of conscious consumption practices. The study revealed that severe weather, inadequate financial support for farmers and insufficient favourable legislation at the national level are the main barriers to achieving resilience in food supply chains. The main recommendations for building food resilience include encouraging localised food supply chains and, advocating for eco-friendly, sustainable production approaches and small-scale agriculture and reducing unnecessary food losses. The originality of the study is reflected in the presentation of the opinions of international experts on developing robustness within food distribution networks in view of the disruption caused by COVID-19 and the geopolitical situation.