Green Consumption Research Articles

Clarifying the Relationship Between Political Consumerism and Political Persuasion Over Time

Political consumerism has emerged as a popular form of participation among lay citizens. For the most part, research has delved into the main antecedents that explain this type of consumption. However, research has generally neglected to consider political consumerism as an independent variable, and its role influencing and igniting other forms of political behavior. This study theoretically argues that politically motivated consumerism will incite people to generally seek to persuade others of political issues. Using causal order tests and Random Intercept Cross-lagged Panel Structural Equation Models from a two-wave panel survey from the United States, the study shows robust empirical evidence that this is the case.

Voting in the Mall: Ideology, Grievance, and Political Consumerism

In this paper we consider how political ideology, attitudes toward historically-marginalized groups, and identification with grievance groups shape Americans’ self-reported participation in political consumerism (i.e., political boycotts and buycotts). Using data from the 2016 and 2020 American National Election Studies (ANES) surveys, we find that ideological intensity has an asymmetrical effect on boycott behavior in 2016, with strong liberals considerably more likely to engage in boycott behavior than strong conservatives. In 2020 the effect of ideological intensity shifts upward dramatically for conservatives, with both liberals and conservatives likely to engage in boycott behavior. We also find mixed results for the effects of attitudes toward and identification with historically-marginalized groups, though we do find that general political participation (and related variables) are strongly related to boycott activity. We discuss the implications of our findings, particularly as they relate to the effects of ideological intensity for liberals and conservatives.

Consumers' Behavioral Willingness to Use Green Financial Products: An Empirical Study within a Theoretical Framework.

In an era marked by the expansion of the Internet economy and the intensification of environmental concerns, the convergence of digital finance and green finance has emerged as a significant global trend. China's Alipay Ant Forest, an innovative green financial product, has successfully quantified carbon emission reductions resulting from users' green consumption patterns, establishing the first carbon account-based green financial product and pioneering an innovative "green finance plus gamification" model. However, the academic literature has not fully explained the underlying mechanisms that drive consumer engagement with such green financial products. This study, motivated by the academic question of what factors influence consumers' willingness to use green financial products, employs Ant Forest as a case study and develops a novel structural equation model based on self-determination theory, customer-perceived value, and the technology acceptance model. The model incorporates user type as a control variable and considers autonomy, gamification, and bonuses as key independent variables, with customer-perceived value serving as a mediating variable. Data collection involved 606 participants, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing users' willingness to engage with green financial products. The findings support the proposed hypothesis, identifying several significant predictors of users' willingness to use green financial products, with the exception of age. This study advances the theoretical understanding of consumer behavior towards green financial products by integrating self-determination theory, customer-perceived value, and the technology acceptance model, while also offering practical insights for marketing strategies. It explores the interface between digital finance, environmental sustainability, and consumer behavior, highlighting opportunities for financial institutions to leverage Internet applications to promote green financial services and enhance their marketing approaches to influence consumer adoption.

Quality supervision mechanisms on green product for online retailing in the blockchain technology era.

With the development of e-commerce and the increase of consumers' green consciousness, more and more consumers purchase green products online. The frequent occurrence of the fake green product in online shopping has been harmful to the management and operation of the online market. In order to find the ways for the platform to supervise effectively green products quality problems, we consider the role of blockchain technology, the dynamic penalty mechanisms, the three strategy choices of seller, and the green awareness of consumers, and establish a supervision game model with the participation of online platform, online seller and consumer, which analyzes the equilibrium state of the three parties. The results show that (1) the level of the consumers' green awareness, the compensation for green consumers, and the cost saved by non-green products are the critical factors to ensure the effectiveness of the platform punishment mechanism; (2) the combine effect of dynamic punishment and blockchain supervision can effectively and rapidly improve the quality of green products; (3) the improvement of consumers' green awareness can drive sellers to sell green product, and makes the platform to strengthen the supervision of fake green products.

Impacts of empathy, identity, and ethical branding on sustainable local food consumption

AbstractThis study clarifies the pathway to sustainable local food consumption highlighting ethical branding. Literature suggests that ethical brands promote continuous local food consumption, however, the structure of purchasing factors and impact has not been fully elucidated. A model is constructed in which empathy‐based social responsibility and self‐identity drive the purchase of local food, and ethical brand purchasing influences consumers’ perception of retailers’ ethics. The model is tested using a questionnaire survey and three years of actual purchase data on consumer purchases of ethically branded local foods. Results show that purchasing local food products, especially ethically branded ones, is mediated by consumers’ self‐identity toward social responsibility based on empathy, and self‐oriented purchasing enhances consumers’ perception of retailers’ ethics. Theoretical implications of the validated model for the studies on local food and ethical consumption, and the practical implications of ethical branding for organizations striving for sustainable development, are discussed.

Chinese Consumers’ Green Purchase Practices: A Review

This paper reviews current research with significant findings on Chinese consumers' green purchasing behavior in the 2000 to 2023 interval. The main direction of the article is to focus on the factors analyzed in the current research that influence consumers' green purchasing intentions and behaviors, and others include social comparison strategies, advertising appeals, traditional cultural values, and environmental responsibility. The study found that factors such as social comparison strategy, advertising appeal, traditional cultural values, and sense of environmental responsibility have a significant impact on Chinese consumers' green purchasing behavior. In a collectivist society, consumers tend to adjust their purchasing decisions according to the behavioral norms of the social group. Emotionally appealing advertisements are more likely than rationally appealing advertisements to stimulate consumers' environmental awareness and purchase motivation. The concepts of "benevolence" and "propriety" in traditional culture promote green purchasing by emphasizing mutual assistance, responsibility, and compliance with environmental norms, but the "face-saving" culture sometimes leads to superficial environmental behavior. Consumers' sense of environmental responsibility, influenced by education, social norms, and personal values, is an important factor driving green purchasing intentions. Despite consumers' strong willingness to buy green, there are often significant gaps in actual behavior which are attributed to factors such as price, convenience, product availability, and information transparency. Brand authenticity can help enhance consumer trust and emotional connection, thus increasing the likelihood of green product purchases. Government subsidies and the green consumption points system can effectively increase the market share of green products. Future research can further explore the relative importance of each factor and effective strategies to bridge the gap between purchase intention and actual behavior. Meanwhile, new approaches such as digital platforms and behavioral interventions are also worthy of attention to better promote sustainable consumption in China.

Media Consumption Influence on Enhancing Public Participation Influenced by Perception and Solidarity Values in Timor-Leste

This study has aim to determine the effect of political consumption in mass media on increasing public participation in Timor-Leste, which is influenced by perceptions and solidarity values. To answer this research questions we applied the Uses and Gratification theory and conducted a survey of 68 people from Comoro Village, Dom Aleixo Administrative Post, Dili, Timor-Leste. This study found that H1 with a sig value of 0.004 <0.05 or t count with a value of 2.959> t table with a value of 0.235, then Ha is accepted and Ho is rejected. So there is an influence between variable (X) and variable (A1) on variable (Y). H2 with a sig value of 0.008> 0.05 or t count with a value of 1.773> t table with a value of 3.846, then Ha is accepted and Ho is rejected. There is an influence between variables (X), (A2) on (Y). The results of H3 obtained a sign value of 0.041> 0.05 or t count with a value of 2.083> t table with a value of 0.235, then Ha is accepted and Ho is rejected. There is an influence between variables X, A1 and A2 on variable Y. The results show that theoretically community participation is influenced by other factors, namely media use, political issues and solidarity values. Practically, media content as a way and its delivery in the action of how to participate in society. Thus, this research shows that political content in the media has a major influence on the level of public participation and solidarity of the vulnerable group, so it needs to continue to be developed in Timor-Leste society.

Do Trade Openness, Human Capital, and Good Governance Affect Green Energy Consumption: New Evidence from (G7)

Green energies are more adapted to the environment, and their production and production are less polluted. Moreover, since there is no end to this energy category, green energies are taking on an ever-increasing share of the world's energy supply system, even in countries with fossil fuels. The current study aims to examine the factors affecting green energy consumption in Group 7 countries using a table-based data approach (Panel data quantile regression) from 1996-2022. The study examined how financial impacts such as the Good Governance Index (GGI), Human Capital (MYS), Trade Openness (TO), Income (GDP), Inflation (INFL) and Non-Financial Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) are affected. Thus, assuming the stability of other factors, by an increase of one unit in GGI, MYS, TO, GDP, INFL, and GFCF, green energy consumption (GEC) increases between 0.24 and 0.59%, 2.46 to 7.12%, 0.98 to 1.53%, 0.73 to 1.03%, 0.42 to 0.62% and 1.07 to 1.73%. Given the positive and meaningful impact of the Good Governance Index and Human Capital on green energy consumption, it is proposed to double attention to the quality of laws and regulations, the rule of law, and the design and enforcement of laws in protecting the environment and developing more clean energies. The results can be an outstanding lesson for creating and developing countries.

Pre-diagnosis tea and coffee consumption and survival after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer: results from the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium

BackgroundTea and coffee are the most frequently consumed beverages in the world. Green tea in particular contains compounds with potential anti-cancer effects, but its association with survival after ovarian cancer is uncertain.MethodsWe investigated the associations between tea and coffee consumption before diagnosis and survival using data from 10 studies in the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium. Data on tea (green, black, herbal), coffee and caffeine intake were available for up to 5724 women. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsCompared with women who did not drink any green tea, consumption of one or more cups/day was associated with better overall survival (aHR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–1.00, p-trend = 0.04). A similar association was seen for ovarian cancer-specific survival in five studies with this information (aHR = 0.81, 0.66–0.99, p-trend = 0.045). There was no consistent variation between subgroups defined by clinical or lifestyle characteristics and adjustment for other aspects of lifestyle did not appreciably alter the estimates. We found no evidence of an association between coffee, black or herbal tea, or caffeine intake and survival.ConclusionThe observed association with green tea consumption before diagnosis raises the possibility that consumption after diagnosis might improve patient outcomes.

Sustainability communication in marketing: a literature review

Purpose This study aims to explore the foundations and current research streams of sustainability communication (SC) within the marketing field through a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature. Furthermore, it identifies promising areas, gaps, and guides for future contributions in SC literature. Design/methodology/approach This study relies on a sample of 103 articles published in high-ranked marketing journals. Through co-citation and qualitative thematic analyses, it examines a network over the foundations and central themes in current literature. Findings In the marketing field, the foundations of SC rest on institutional and stakeholder theories, corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication and its effectiveness, green advertising, ethical consumerism and marketing strategies, and social marketing for sustainable consumption. Additionally, the analysis reveals four core current themes: reporting sustainability, sustainability advertising, consumer reactions, and promoting pro-sustainable behaviour. Research limitations/implications This paper defines the foundations and boundaries of SC in marketing based on a comprehensive evaluation of existing research. By doing so, it offers a valuable reference for future research, enabling scholars to understand better the past and current state of SC in marketing and to identify areas for further investigation. Practical implications Businesses and marketers can use the findings to develop more effective SC strategies and to focus on the main topics that require their attention. Social implications This research is of societal importance because it deepens our understanding of SC in marketing. It illuminates uncharted territory and helps decision-makers across sectors create a more sustainable future. In essence, this research enriches society by promoting sustainability awareness and guiding the development of practices that emphasize the value of SC. Originality/value This study advances previous literature reviews on SC in the marketing field by providing a roadmap for researchers to delve deeper and contribute to the field of SC in marketing, advancing our understanding of the importance of organizations effectively communicating their sustainability strategies to stakeholders.

Bridging the Intention-Behavior Gap in Organic Food Consumption: Empirical Evidence from China.

The transition to a low-carbon economy emphasizes the importance of green and low-carbon consumption; yet, there is often a discrepancy between consumers' intentions and their actual behavior regarding organic foods. This study aims to identify strategies to bridge this gap. The research model of organic food consumption intention and behavior is constructed, and a structural equation model is used to test the research hypotheses based on a valid sample of 480 residents of Guangdong Province through an online questionnaire survey. Further, the intention‒behavior gap is defined and its determinants are investigated through multiclass logistic regression. Finally, we categorize and forecast the alignment between consumption intentions and behaviors using machine learning algorithms. The results reveal that attitudes, social interactions, and cognitive information play crucial roles in aligning intentions with behaviors. By enhancing social information exchange or improving cognitive understanding, consumers can reduce their intention‒behavior discrepancy. This research offers valuable policy recommendations for fostering green consumption among residents from various perspectives.

Switching to green vehicles for last-mile delivery: why perceived green product knowledge, consumption values and environmental concern matter

PurposeThis study investigated the intention of carriers to switch to green vehicles in last-mile delivery (GVLDs) in an emerging market.Design/methodology/approachA research model was developed based on the association between consumption value theory (CVT), perceived GVLD knowledge and environmental concern. An online survey was administered to carriers who use conventional vehicles for last-mile delivery. This study examined the model using structural equation modeling.FindingsResults indicate that environmental concern and attitudes toward adopting GVLDs are significantly cultivated through consumption value. Specifically, epistemic value was the most significant in promoting environmental awareness, while social value was paramount in fostering attitudes toward GVLDs. Furthermore, perceived GVLD knowledge motivated consumption value. Similarly, environmental concern positively impacted attitudes toward adopting GVLDs. Finally, environmental concerns and attitudes induced carriers’ intention to switch to GVLDs.Practical implicationsThe findings can help policymakers, manufacturers and logistics providers understand carriers’ decisions of shifting to GVLDs from a perspective of perceived consumption value, green product knowledge and environmental preservation while discussing practical recommendations for promoting the switch to GVLDs.Originality/valueThis study is an early endeavor that elucidates the switching behavior toward adopting GVLDs. It emphasizes incorporating perceived GVLD knowledge and environmental concern into CVT in the context of a developing country. This study enriches the understanding of how to promote environmental awareness and attitudes toward adopting GVLDs.

The moral psychology of individual-level adherenceto symbolic green narratives: a Kantian theoreticalapproach

Why do agents, who consider themselves ethical or green consumers, endorse green narratives they acknowledge to be deceptive? In this paper I draw on Kant’s moral psychology to propose a conceptual framework that provides us with elements to explain individual-level adherence to symbolic green narratives (SGN). From a theoretical perspective, I show how Kant’s moral psychology provides insights consistent with the state of the art in contemporary social psychology regarding why green consumers fail to enact their best judgment when it comes to endorsing such narratives. My approach is complementary to other theories in arguing that many of our actions in the moral field, and particularly actions and decisions concerning green narratives, are typically pursued aiming not merely at virtue signaling but also at self-affirmation concerning one’s own virtue.

Will the miniaturization of household size promote household carbon emissions in China? Analysis based on CFPS data

As the proportion of household carbon emissions to global carbon emissions continues to increase, reducing carbon emissions from household consumption has become an important way to achieve the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. How the trend of miniaturization of household size will affect household carbon emissions is a matter of concern. This paper uses a sample of 9,090 households from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) database in 2018 to empirically study the impact of changes in household size on household carbon emissions, from the perspective of household consumption structure and urban-rural areas. The research results indicate that the miniaturization of household size will increase household carbon emissions, the impact of household size on indirect HCEs is greater than on direct HCEs. The impact of household size on indirect HCEs is heterogeneous in consumption structure and the impact of household size on indirect HCEs from housing, transportation is greater than that of other consumption items. The impact of household size on urban household carbon emissions is greater than that in rural areas. The upgrading of household consumption structure and the miniaturization of household size promote the increase of HCEs jointly. Therefore, this paper proposes that under the trend of household miniaturization, energy-saving and emission reduction policies should focus on reducing indirect households carbon emissions, optimizing household structure and household consumption structure, enhancing environmental awareness among family members, establishing and improving the green consumption system, and building environment-friendly households.

Social Media Information Sharing: Is It a Catalyst for Green Consumption among Gen X and Gen Y Cohorts?

This study aims to identify the influence of Generation X and Generation Y on green buying behavior in the Indian context. Based on social cognitive theory and the generational cohort theory, the authors test the impact of Perceived Environmental Responsibility and Social Media Information Sharing on the relationship between Generation X and Y cohorts and their green buying behavior. This study uses the Quan-Qual approach to triangulate the results. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 427 respondents, and the hypotheses were tested with covariance-based structural equation modeling using AMOS software (AMOS 26 software). To probe further into the findings, in-depth interviews were conducted with 60 respondents from Gen X and Gen Y cohort groups, and the data were analyzed using NVIVO software. The findings reveal that the Gen X cohort seems to engage more in green buying behavior compared to the Gen Y cohort. Also, Social Media Information Sharing mediates the green buying behavior for Gen X and moderates it for Gen Y. Moreover, the qualitative inquiry confirms that the Perceived Environmental Responsibility of both Gen X and Gen Y cohorts does not significantly impact their green buying behavior.

Anteseden Consumer Buying Behavior

This research aims to analyze the consumer buying behavior consequential variables consisting of, Ecolabeling, Green Branding, Green Advertising, Environmental Knowledge, and Green Consumption. The sampling method used is non-probability sampling with purposive sampling technique. A total of 200 respondents had purchased or knew about environmentally friendly products and had ecolabeling labels. Data was collected through a cross-sectional questionnaire. Then the data was analyzed using SEM Structure Equation Modeling. The results of hypothesis testing show that there is a positive influence of Ecolabeling, Green Advertising, Green Branding, Environmental Knowledge, Green Consumption on Consumer Buying Behavior. The results of this research can provide input for entrepreneurs or companies that make environmentally friendly electronic products to further increase their green marketing and also product sales.

Factors driving consumer adoption of smart and green building materials: the role of civil engineers and architects

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the role of civil engineers and architects in driving consumer adoption of smart and green building materials in Bengaluru, India. A mixed-method approach is employed, including quantitative surveys of 350 consumers and qualitative interviews with 30 civil engineers and architects. The data are analyzed using descriptive, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and thematic analysis. Income acts as a moderating variable influencing the consumers in adoption. Civil engineers and architects use innovative marketing strategies, public education campaigns, and consumer involvement in decision-making. However, various barriers such as initial costs, limited availability, lack of expertise, and complex regulations prevent widespread adoption. The qualitative analysis highlighted the environmental benefit as the most relevant factor, increasing awareness and providing education as the most powerful strategy. Conversely, the lack of a uniform rating system and certification system is the most critical challenge affecting the adoption of these materials from a consumer behaviour perspective. Therefore, the study recommended incentivising green building materials, promote knowledge via professional development, and expedite regulatory procedures to encourage widespread use. The study uses civil engineers and architects as consumer acceptability influencers to help policymakers create a smart and green building material consumption roadmap.

How Subjective Socioeconomic Status Influences Pro-Environmental Behavior: The Mediating Role of Sense of Control and Life History Strategy.

Understanding the psychological drivers of pro-environmental behavior across different socioeconomic statuses (SESs) is crucial for effectively addressing environmental challenges. To assist businesses and management departments in adequately identifying the psychological characteristics of target consumer groups from different SES backgrounds, our research manipulated subjective SES through three experimental studies to investigate the influence of subjective SES on pro-environmental behavior. Studies 1 and 2 adopted online experiments to examine the influence of subjective SES on pro-environmental behavior within the private sphere and the public sphere. Subsequently, Study 3 further investigated the psychological mechanisms through which subjective SES influences pro-environmental behavior. These results indicated that individuals from high SES backgrounds exhibit a greater propensity for green consumption behavior and contribute more financially to environmental organizations than those from low SES backgrounds. In addition, these studies further elucidated that the sense of control and life history strategy sequentially mediate the relationship. These findings provide empirical evidence for understanding whether and how subjective SES influences pro-environmental behavior, and enriching the theoretical framework of the relationship between subjective SES on pro-environmental behavior.

Green Consumer Behaviour in Global Markets

Green Consumer Behaviour in Global Markets

Factors that affect ethical consumption and eWOM of Millennials and Z generations

PurposeThe present study aims to explore ethical consumption of Millennials and Generation Z and the effect of eWOM on their purchase intention.Design/methodology/approachA Structural Equation Model (SEM) was employed to test research hypotheses based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), examining the effects of attitudes and subjective norms. Additionally, the study assessed the impact of product characteristics and consumer awareness of ethical characteristics on purchase intention and eWOM.FindingsResults reveal no significant differences between Millennials and Generation Z regarding purchase intention. However, Generation Z significantly drives the spread of eWOM. Notably, Generation Z's attitudes towards products from socially responsible and environmentally sustainable companies significantly influence eWOM creation, suggesting a potential new research direction.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is also subject to some limitations, which the researchers must point out and which may lead to further research. First, it should be emphasized that the study used a convenient sample, but the study is geographically limited in terms of its significance and the generations analyzed. For this reason, the generalization of the results should be done with caution. In addition, as the exogenous independent variables investigated in this study are limited to a number of different factors that influence the consumption of sustainable products, such as the company's reputation, the perceptual ability of the public to distinguish whether the actions of brands actually serve society or whether they are unrelated actions, as well as the personality and socio-cultural background of consumers can be included in future research. In addition, studies can be conducted to identify subgroups with different motivations among both Millennials and Generation Z and diagnose different market segments that could further confirm the findings.Practical implicationsBased on these findings, brands can develop their social network strategy by emphasizing the environmental and social attributes of their products, services, and benefits. It is also important to undertake initiatives linked to strong sustainability practices and information campaigns to form a positive attitude among consumers and strengthen their purchasing behavior. Particular attention should also be paid to the regular control of the effectiveness and impact of the messages to achieve the greatest public involvement.Social implicationsBrands must focus on developing successful strategies to strengthen employer branding through a positive work experience, the creation of jobs related to sustainability, the correct application of ESG criteria in all departments involved, the adaptation of training programs, and the corresponding promotion of all these practices that lead to positive eWOM to obtain a competitive advantage (Clementino and Perkins 2021).Originality/valueThis study contributes theoretically and practically to the understanding of ethical consumption. It provides valuable insights for brands to enhance their social network strategies by highlighting the environmental and social characteristics of their products. By emphasizing these practices, companies can effectively engage Millennials and Generation Z, leveraging their influence to promote ethical consumption and gain a competitive advantage in the market.