Perceptions Of Environmental Sustainability Research Articles

Perceptions of Environmental Sustainability and Luxury: Influences on Organic Food Buying Behavior among Millennials and Generation Z in Greece

<p>The generational cohorts known as Millennials and Generation Z exhibit distinct behaviors and attitudes, differing significantly from older generations in various aspects including environmental perceptions and purchasing behaviors. Notably, organic foods are sometimes associated with luxury, as highlighted in existing literature. This study aims to explore how Greek Millennial and Gen Z consumers perceive the concept of luxury in relation to organic food products and how their views on environmental sustainability influence both their perceptions and purchasing behaviors. A structured questionnaire served as the research tool, utilizing the New Environmental Paradigm scale to assess respondents’ views on environmental sustainability. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including tests for mean values, correlation coefficients, and regression models. The findings indicate that consumers’ perceptions of environmental sustainability positively impact their willingness to purchase organic foods. Additionally, there are noticeable differences between Millennial and Gen Z consumers in their perceptions of organic foods, and purchasing luxury foods positively correlates with the propensity to buy organic products. The findings of this research can be used by manufacturers and retailers in food sector.</p>

Perceptions of Environmental Sustainability and Luxury: Influences on Organic Food Buying Behavior among Millennials and Generation Z in Greece

Perceptions of Environmental Sustainability and Luxury: Influences on Organic Food Buying Behavior among Millennials and Generation Z in Greece

The impact of an eco-score label on US consumers' perceptions of environmental sustainability and intentions to purchase food: A randomized experiment.

Front-of-package labels indicating a product's environmental footprint (i.e., eco-score labels) offer promise to shift consumers towards more sustainable food choices. This study aimed to understand whether eco-score labels impacted consumers' perceptions of environmental sustainability and intentions to purchase sustainable and unsustainable foods. US parents (n = 1,013) completed an online experiment in which they were shown 8 food products (4 sustainable and 4 unsustainable). Participants were randomized to a control (n = 503, barcode on product packaging) or eco-score label group (n = 510, eco-score label on product packaging). The eco-score label was color-coded with a grade of A-F based on the product's environmental footprint, where "A" indicates relative sustainability and "F" indicates relative unsustainability. Participants rated each product's environmental sustainability and their future likelihood of purchase. We used multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models and examined moderation by product category and sociodemographic characteristics. The eco-score label lowered perceived sustainability of unsustainable products by 13% in relative terms or -0.4 in absolute terms (95% CI -0.5, -0.3; p<0.001). The eco-score label increased perceived sustainability of sustainable products by 16% in relative terms or 0.6 in absolute terms (95% CI 0.5, 0.7, p<0.001). Effects on purchase intentions were smaller, with a 6% decrease for unsustainable products (p = 0.001) and an 8% increase for sustainable products (p<0.001). For unsustainable products, the effect of eco-score labels on sustainability perceptions was greater for older adults, men, participants with higher educational attainment, and participants with higher incomes. For sustainable products, the effect of ecolabels on sustainability perceptions was greater for those with higher educational attainment. Eco-score labels have the potential to direct consumers towards more sustainable products. Future studies should investigate eco-score label effectiveness on behavioral outcomes.

"We are stewards and caretakers of the land, not exploiters of resources": A qualitative study exploring Canadian farmers' perceptions of environmental sustainability in agriculture.

Environmental sustainability in agriculture is a key component of discussions to address the current climate crisis; unfortunately, many people (including researchers) presume that only certain types of agriculture (e.g., organic, local) are environmentally sustainable. Non-farmers also fail to acknowledge that many farm practices, including grazing animals, mitigate climate change. Farmers' perceptions about environmental sustainability are important because their livelihoods, and those of future generations, depend on their commitment to sustainable environmental practices. The purpose of this qualitative research was to understand Canadian farmers' perceptions of environmental sustainability, how they are implementing strategies that contribute to sustainable food production, and the challenges they face. Fifty-two farmers, representing 48 farms and over 1000 years of farming experience, participated in comprehensive in-depth interviews. Four farms were in British Columbia; 13 in the Prairies; 26 in Central Canada; and five in Eastern Canada. A wide variety of farm types (e.g., fruit/vegetables, livestock, grains) and sizes (2 to 6500 acres) were included in the study. Farmers' perceptions of environmental sustainability coalesced into four main themes: (1) definitions of sustainability and environmental sustainability, (2) current practices, (3) farming as an identity, and (4) challenges. Many participants explained that they already use sustainable practices and technology, contrary to prevailing opinion that entire food systems need to be transformed to be sustainable. As new agricultural policies and educational curricula are developed, information provided to students, policy makers, and the public must be accurate, balanced, evidence-based, and respectfully consider all perspectives, especially those of farmers.

Measuring Consumers’ Perception of Environmental Sustainability on Recycling Behavior with the Moderating Role of their Characteristics

Measuring Consumers’ Perception of Environmental Sustainability on Recycling Behavior with the Moderating Role of their Characteristics

Students' perception of environmental sustainability (ES) exercises at higher education institutions (HEIs) in Bangladesh

PurposeEnvironmental sustainability (ES) is a vital issue in recent times as higher education institutions (HEIs) are expected to have significant environmental impacts. This study aims to explore the ES attitudes in three different HEIs in Bangladesh based on student perception.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data from 200 respondents of 3 HEIs through a questionnaire survey has been collected. The questionnaire was designed to collect data on six criteria: awareness, concern, attitude, willingness to participate and recommendations about campus ES. Pearson's chi-square (χ2), Fisher's exact test statistic, one-way analysis of variance and Spearman's correlation have been used to measure difference and correlation in SPSS.FindingsThough students are aware of ES, only 21% are concerned about the issue. In total, 68% of respondents agreed that campus ES is not a responsibility of authority alone and that others have a role to play; 24% of students do not even know about recycling practices; and 73% of the respondents suggested that knowledge-sharing seminars/conferences could be the best way to improve the campus's ES.Practical implicationsA top-down planning approach excludes students from decision-making and direct engagement in Sustainable Campus building. Including student perceptions in planning assists policymakers and smooths the path to a more sustainable campus.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by providing insight into students' perceptions of sustainability practices in the campus environment.

Factors affecting Undergraduate’s Perception on Environmental Sustainability: Special Reference to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura

This research investigates and analyses the factors affecting undergraduates’ perspectives on environmental sustainability with a special reference to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Furthermore, the study evaluates the association between the identified factors and different dimensions of the perception of environmental sustainability. To gather primary data for the study, a five-point Likert scale-based questionnaire was created that considered all dimensions of undergraduates’ perspectives of environmental sustainability namely awareness, personal attitude, personal commitment, personal involvement, and personal motive. A sample of 200 undergraduates from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura was chosen using a convenience sampling technique. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted in order to test the research objective. Based on the data analysis and interpretation, it was concluded that demographic and behavioural factors do have a significant influence on the undergraduates’ perception of environmental sustainability. Further, it was identified that educational institutions mainly schools as well as universities have a major role in disseminating environmental information and creating a positive perception regarding environmental sustainability among youths.

Perception of Environment Sustainability, Lifestyle, Green Purchasing Behavior, and Eco-innovation

Many industries are actively engaged in environmental concerns and innovations. Among them, the furniture industry is also experiencing changes locally and globally and in its value chain. This article takes the furniture industry in the Vietnam market as the primary context. Although Vietnam is one of the largest exporters of wooden furniture abroad, as in some countries globally, environmental sustainability in design and production is still limited. In fact, various studies have shown that many consumers are willing to pay high prices for products with environmental protection factors. In addition, sometimes they turn their hobbies into new lifestyles and different trends. Therefore, to penetrate this emerging green product market, environmental factors have been identified as key design elements for sustainability. This study demonstrates the reference between theory and practice to advise on ecological innovation strategy of furniture enterprises, specifically furniture manufacturing enterprises in the Vietnam market. To do this, firms need to understand the core relationship between perception of environmental sustainability, lifestyle, green purchasing behavior, and eco-innovation. From there, they can orient eco-innovation in their organization’s activities and business processes. Therefore, this relationship will be explored in this study.

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perceptions of Environmental Sustainability: A Phenomenographic Investigation

Early childhood teachers’ environmental perceptions can influence young children’s learning about environmental issues. Yet, to date, there is minimal research focusing on the perceptions of environmental sustainability held by early childhood teachers. This qualitative phenomenographic study collected data via individual semi-structured interviews with five early childhood teachers and one head teacher, in Malta. Preliminary findings revealed that the participants perceived environmental sustainability in terms of environmental concerns; environmental responsibility; and environmental protection. A mismatch between the participants’ environmental concerns and their pro-environmental behaviour emerged. The data also show that any environmental activities at school were done so uncritically. These findings hold importance for the reorientation of in-service and pre-service early childhood teacher education programs towards sustainability to ensure that systems thinking around critical environmental issues are introduced in the early years by addressing gaps in knowledge and supporting educators' development at the earliest stage (i.e., pre-service).

Perceptions of environmental sustainability amongst mineworkers

Environmental sustainability needs to use resources efficiently and effectively from macro to micro level with a systematic approach. The dualistic relationship between ecosystem and human beings require considering ecological and social systems as well as economic factors known as the three-legged approach. Individuals and their perceptions are also important in this approach because of the need of environmental awareness and behaviors. From this point of view, this study assesses the perceptions of local mine workers in the Goksu Valley about the environmental sustainability to understand the relationship between environmental, personal and organizational factors. Extroversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness as the sub-dimensions of the personality have positive correlations with environmental sustainability. Also, working conditions and expert power of the leader have a significant relationship with environmental sustainability within the mine worker sample which has a high-level environmental sustainability mean. The perceptions of local workers or residents are important to gain specific information about areas which have a special ecosystem for agriculture and animals.

Athletic Trainers' Attitudes and Perceptions of Environmental Sustainability.

Environmental sustainability efforts are becoming a critical concern in health care. However, little is known regarding how athletic trainers feel about the environment or what can be done to reduce the environmental impact of the practice of athletic training. To examine athletic trainers' attitudes toward and perceptions of factors related to environmental sustainability. Sequential, mixed methods using a survey, focus groups, and personal interviews. Field study. Four hundred forty-two individuals completed the survey. Sixteen participated in the qualitative portion. Quantitative results from the Athletic Training Environmental Impact Survey included data from a 5-point Likert scale (1 = lowest rating and 5 = highest rating). Descriptive statistics and 1-way analyses of variance were used to describe perceptions and determine differences in mean opinion, National Athletic Trainers' Association district, and use of green techniques. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively. The mean score for opinion of the environment was 3.30 ± 0.52. A difference was found between opinion and National Athletic Trainers' Association district ( F9, 429 = 2.43, P = .01). A Bonferroni post hoc analysis identified this difference ( P = .03) between members of District 2 (Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania) and District 9 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee). An inductive analysis resulted in 3 emergent themes: (1) barriers to using green techniques, (2) motivators for using green techniques, and (3) solutions to overcoming the barriers. The information gleaned from participants in the qualitative portion of the study can be useful for clinicians wishing to implement basic conservation efforts in their practice settings and may guide future sustainability projects. Overall, participants reported a positive opinion of environmental sustainability topics related to athletic training. However, many barriers to practicing green techniques were identified.

The impact of the motivation for status on consumers’ perceptions of retailer sustainability: the moderating impact of collectivism and materialism

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to investigate consumers’ perceptions of status motivations on retailers’ sustainability efforts and whether collectivism and materialism moderate this relationship.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research methodology using survey data was used. Data were collected by administering questionnaires from millennial respondents (n = 386) from the USA and Turkey.FindingsThe results show that cultural value (collectivism) and materialism can serve as moderators of the effects of status motivation and sustainability. The findings indicate that the link between status motivation and sustainability perceptions (both environmental and social sustainability) is stronger for more collectivist consumers. In terms of materialism, while it did not moderate the relationship between status motivation and perceptions of environmental sustainability, it did moderate the relationship between status motivation and perceptions of social sustainability, particularly the uniqueness aspect of materialism.Research limitations/implicationsThe stronger link between status motivation and both environmental and social sustainability for collectivists suggests that the bandwagon effect may be impacting their need for status. The stronger link between status motivation and social sustainability for those more materialistic suggests that their need for status may be more impacted by a snob effect as they want to appear unique. The use of college students is a limitation of this study, and future research needs to explore a wider range of age groups to determine if there are generational differences. Additionally, future research could examine other cultural dimensions such as power distance and masculinity versus femininity.Practical implicationsFindings from this research provide insights for retailers, especially those targeting the status and luxury market when developing their sustainability plans. An interest in sustainability may aid consumers in meeting their need for status, particularly for those status consumers who are more collectivist, as a means to fit in with their group. For more materialistic consumers, retailers may want to focus more on unique social sustainability efforts that are more publicly noticeable.Social implicationsSocial sustainability, a topic not studied as frequently as environmental sustainability, has significant implications for consumers. The findings suggest that the link between status motivation and social sustainability is stronger for collectivists, suggesting a bandwagon effect. Additionally, the authors find that the link between status motivation and social sustainability is stronger for materialists, particularly the uniqueness dimension of materialism, suggesting a snob effect.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in the exploration of how status motivation impacts consumers’ perceptions of retailers’ environmental and social sustainability efforts and if these relationships are moderated by collectivism and materialism. Few studies have examined social sustainability, especially in terms of culture.

Perceptions Of Environmental Sustainability

&lt;p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt; mso-prop-change: 'Michael White' 20070530T1013;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;serif&amp;quot;; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;This study examines attitudes toward environmental sustainability among college students.&lt;span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;The new area of &amp;ldquo;sustainability reporting&amp;rdquo; identifies business practices that are associated with environmental and social costs.&lt;span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;When these costs are known, managers can take steps to reduce them, resulting in improved profit and lessened environmental impact.&lt;span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Many believe it has great potential to change the way business is practiced.&lt;span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Responses were analyzed using multidimensional scaling analyses, permitting comparison of the perceived similarity and dissimilarity of &amp;ldquo;sustainability&amp;rdquo; to other environmentally significant terms.&lt;span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Results from these and semantic differential analyses showed that sustainability is perceived positively, although it is not perceived as especially dynamic nor is it associated with sound economics.&lt;span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Suggestions for educating students and the public about sustainability reporting are offered.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;