Sustainable Consumption Behavior Research Articles

Investigating environmentally sustainable consumption: A diary study of home‐based consumption behaviors

AbstractThis study analyzes three environmentally sustainable household consumption behaviors (optimizing the use of domestic water, minimizing food waste, and minimizing plastic packaging usage) through the model of goal‐directed behavior. The findings show that attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, anticipated emotions, and habits are all significant predictors of the desire to adopt sustainable consumption behaviors, which directly fosters the intention to adopt these behaviors. Intention–behavior links were unique for each behavior; minimizing plastic packaging usage was the most difficult behavior to implement. This study offers useful insights into people's sustainable consumption goals and their intentions to adopt responsible consumption behaviors. A generalizable model of environmentally sustainable household behaviors that considers the three behaviors simultaneously is presented. This study suggests that business and policy strategies that could successfully promote sustainability in the household might proceed by, for example, empowering consumers or changing their habits.

Text Mining Analysis of Retail and Consumer Service Leaders' Sustainability Narratives: Are They Actually True?

This study investigates the relationship between the sustainability narratives of retail and consumer services leaders and their actual sustainability practices, with a focus on the impact of these narratives on consumer perceptions and engagement. Firm-generated content (FGC) has become a significant factor influencing consumer reactions, especially in the context of sustainability claims within the retail and consumer services sectors. Our research examines the alignment of linguistic and communicative elements in sustainability communications with the actual sustainability performance of companies employing a multifaceted analytical approach including content/theme analysis, sentiment analysis, emotion detection, and readability assessments. The findings reveal that thematic content related to sustainability, emotional engagement strategies, and the clarity of communication are shown to play vital roles in enhancing consumer trust and engagement with retail and consumer services firms. Moreover, readability and polarity are critical in shaping consumer perceptions of authenticity and reliability in sustainability narratives. The study underscores the importance of transparency and authenticity in sustainability communications, demonstrating that effective messaging can significantly influence consumer engagement with retail and consumer services firms. By bridging the gap between sustainability narratives and actual practices, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of strategic communication's role in fostering sustainable consumer behavior and trust in the retail and consumer services sector.

Services for a sustainable lifestyle targeting Generation Z

This research proposes a service design named "Retrend" with the purpose of promoting sustainable lifestyles by assisting Generation Z users in discovering vintage clothing within their local communities. Through desk research and interview methods for data collection, interviews were conducted with subjects to clarify the daily life needs of Generation Z users. During the data analysis phase, this study generated three personas while examining the users' requirements. In the development stage, user journey maps and user flows were implemented and tested to identify timelines from both customer and buyer perspectives. Finally, prototypes were constructed and subjected to low-fidelity and high-fidelity testing to assess their feasibility. The findings drawn from this research indicate that Retrend effectively caters to users' motivation for purchasing eco-friendly clothes aligned with their ethical values. The Retrend service enables personalized experiences, enhances trust and transparency, guides sustainable consumption behavior, and provides an improved service experience. The practical implications lie in the fact that Retrend service can advocate for a healthy and environmentally-friendly lifestyle by providing people with various environmental knowledge and skills, monitoring real-time environmental conditions, offering social functions so that individuals can better understand the cause of environmental protection and actively participate in it, thereby jointly promoting environmental development.

Environmental awareness and sustainable consumption behaviours of Turkish nursing students

Objectives This study aims to determine the environmental awareness and sustainable consumption behaviours of nursing students. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 380 undergraduate nursing students studying at Faculty of Nursing, Ege University, Türkiye. The Personal Information Form, Environmental Awareness Scale (EAS), and Sustainable Consumption Behaviours Scale (SCBS) were used to collect the research data. Number, percentage, mean, Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z test, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation test, and linear regression analysis were used in statistical evaluation. Results The mean total score on the EAS was 46.12 (SD = 6.60), and the mean total score of the SCBS was 61.83 (SD = 9.10). A significant, moderate, and positive correlation was found between students’ environmental awareness and sustainable consumption behaviours. Moreover, students’ gender and the people they lived with caused statistically significant differences in the EAS score. The people students lived with, the place where they lived for the longest time, and their perceived income level caused statistically significant differences in the SCBS score. Conclusions Nursing students had high environmental awareness and moderate to good sustainable consumption behaviours. It is necessary to include the contribution of sustainable practices to the environment and the effects of these practices on human health in curricula for nurses and thus provide environmental awareness to students.

Generational Differences in Sustainable Consumption Behavior among Chinese Residents: Implications Based on Perceptions of Sustainable Consumption and Lifestyle

To deal with the challenges posed by generational differences in China’s sustainable consumption transition, this study’s pioneers using a mixed-methods approach with data mining and literature research to classify Chinese residents into four generations based on the sustainable consumption perspective. We developed a conceptual model of generational differences and conducted an empirical study using structured interviews with a multi-stage random sampling approach. The results highlight significant differences and distinct influencing mechanisms among the four generations regarding perceptions of sustainable consumption, lifestyle, and sustainable consumption behavior. Based on this, multi-generational differentiated green marketing strategies, green product development and green marketing practices, as well as consumer education systems and strategies for stakeholders including the government, enterprises, and society are proposed. The findings contribute to advancing theoretical perspectives in sustainable consumption research, serving as a valuable reference for sustainable consumption research worldwide.

Sustainable Consumer Behaviours through Comparisons of Developed and Developing Nations

Sustainable consumption is crucial for mitigating environmental harm and combating climate change. This study examines sustainable consumer behaviour in developed and developing countries, aiming to identify drivers and barriers to responsible consumption patterns. Using qualitative data analysis, we explore factors influencing consumer attitudes and behaviours. Adopting an exploratory approach, we employ interpretivist philosophy and thematic analysis. Through case study methodology and secondary data sources, we analyse drivers, attitudes, and barriers to sustainable consumption. The study findings indicate that consumers in both developed and developing countries exhibit a keen interest in embracing sustainable consumption to contribute to environmental preservation. Corporate social responsibility towards sustainability influences consumer purchasing decisions, highlighting the importance of green initiatives within companies. Recommendations include implementing Green Fund Schemes at the governmental level and sustainability audits within corporations to promote and sustain sustainability efforts. Collaborative endeavours among consumers, corporations, and authorities are essential for promoting sustainability and safeguarding the environment.

Eco-consciousness to eco-consumption: unraveling the drivers of sustainable consumption behavior under the mediated-moderated Model.

The impact of climate change has malformed the world's ecosystem, thus making humans call for environmental protection. Climate change, the biggest trauma of the twenty-first century, has made humans switch towards natural consumption. In this regard, the growing phenomenon of industrialization has spurred consumers to invest more in ecological products. Consuming eco-friendly products has several benefits; however, countries are still unable to satisfy the consumer's concern for the environment. The current study presents literature on environmental concerns, psychological well-being, willingness to pay for pro-environmental products, pro-environmental self-identity, and pro-environmental consumer behavior, which are required to ensure the consumer's organic behavior. The research used a questionnaire-driven methodology to gather data from 379 participants. Data analysis was conducted using statistical software packages, specifically SPSS (Version: 4.1.0.0). The suitability of the measurement model was evaluated through structural equation modeling (SEM), which was performed utilizing the SmartPLS. According to the research findings, there is a positive relationship between variables in the study, and individuals with greater levels of psychological well-being are more likely to engage in behaviors that promote sustainable consumption. In order to foster more sustainable consumption patterns in society, policymakers, marketers, and educators may find these findings to be valuable insights. As a result of its empirical exploration of these relationships, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on environmental psychology and sustainable marketing, emphasizing the important role psychological factors play in promoting a greener environment.

Determinant Factors in Fish Consumption: An Application of The Theory of Planned Behavior

Objective: The objective of this research is to investigate the factors that influence fish consumption in the diet. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework addresses fish consumption, as well as the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in the context of fish consumption, providing a solid foundation for understanding the research context. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises an exploratory study with a quantitative approach. The analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Data collection was carried out through an online questionnaire administered from 01/12/2022 to 20/01/2023. The sample consists of 250 valid questionnaires. Results and Discussion: The obtained results revealed that attitude, competences, and perceived behavioral control influence the intention and consumption behavior. This study outlines practical contributions by analyzing consumer behavior regarding fish consumption, linking it to environmental, social, and sustainability issues. Research Implications: The implications provide insights into the field of sustainable consumer behavior. These implications encompass relevant estimates for traders and governmental entities to delineate strategies aimed at fish consumption. Originality/Value: The novelty lies in using the competency dimension as an antecedent of consumption behavior. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced through robust statistical analysis (SEM) to examine the antecedents of fish consumption behavior.

Suboptimal food products in Indonesia: a sustainable consumption behavior choice experiment and unveiling the attributes with a causality approach

Suboptimal food products in Indonesia: a sustainable consumption behavior choice experiment and unveiling the attributes with a causality approach

Boosting Sustainable Consumption Behaviour Through Consumer Education in the Fashion Retail and Service Environment

Due to the growing environmental impact of the fashion industry, the demand for sustainable consumption is currently an urgent issue. The exponential increase of textile waste and the progressive reduction of product lifespan call for a shift to circular models, and in this context, consumer awareness has also become crucial. The retail environment, driven by an increasing shift towards a servitisation of the consumer experience, with its associated Product-Service Systems (PSSs), can provide a compelling opportunity to nurture consumer awareness, thus acting as a proactive mechanism to induce more responsible and sustainable behaviour. Within this framework, retail design is emerging as a key driver for sustainable behavioural changes in fashion consumption. This article, therefore, reflects on how fashion brands are actively orchestrating strategies within retail, defining dedicated PPSs to promote responsible consumption practices involving informative content, empowerment tools and co-creation initiatives that, going beyond awareness, can evolve into advocacy.

Mindfulness, spiritual well-being, and sustainable consumer behavior

Although there has been considerable research interest in how mindfulness affects consumers’ pro-environmental behaviors, extant research has not fully clarified the underlying mechanisms through which mindfulness is related to sustainable consumption. This study examines mediating effects of spiritual well-being in regard to the relationship between mindfulness and sustainable consumer behavior. Four different types of sustainable consumer behavior are examined: general ethically minded consumer behavior, voluntary simplicity, direct environmental behavior, and support for green products. The study was conducted with 467 French consumers: 208 consumers who have undertaken formal mindfulness training (mindfulness-based stress reduction program) and 259 consumers who have never undertaken any mindfulness training. The findings show that mindfulness is related to sustainable consumer behavior through the personal, communal, and environmental domains of spiritual well-being. However, the links between mindfulness and spiritual (personal, communal, and environmental) well-being are primarily evident only among consumers who have undertaken formal mindfulness training. Thus, this research demonstrates how mindfulness affects sustainable consumer behavior and identifies conditions under which these effects are observed. Policy recommendations in the form of supporting and subsidising mindfulness training programs and other initiatives that enhance spiritual well-being, to facilitate greater sustainable consumer behavior are proposed.

EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION BEHAVIORS AND ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY OF PRE-SERVICE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

This study aimed to determine the relationship between sustainable consumption behaviors and the environmental literacy of pre-service primary school teachers. The study was conducted with 144 (103 female, 41 male) pre-service teachers (103 female, 41 male) studying in the department of classroom teaching at the faculty of education of a state university located in the Central Black Sea Region in the spring semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. The relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used in the study. The research data were collected using the Sustainable Consumption scale developed by Doğan, Bulut, Çımrın (2015); to measure individuals' sustainable consumption behaviors. "Environmental Literacy Scale for Adults (ELSA)" developed by Atabek-Yiğit et al. (2014) was used for environmental literacy. According to the research findings, a positive relationship was found between the sustainable consumption behaviors of pre-service teachers and their environmental awareness, non-essential purchasing, saving and reusability levels. There is a moderate, positive and significant relationship between pre-service teachers' environmental literacy levels and sustainable consumption behaviors. The sustainable consumption behavior, environmental awareness, saving, and non-essential purchasing of pre-service primary school teachers do not show a significant difference according to gender. In line with the findings obtained as a result of the research, prospective primary school teachers are sustainable.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0717/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Sustainable Fashion in New Era: Exploring Consumer Resilience and Goals in the Post-Pandemic

This study examines the underlying mechanisms that lead to sustainable fashion consumption in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. Particularly, this study explores the complex relations between resilient coping mechanisms, consumer life goals, and sustainable fashion consumption, combining Goal Content Theory and the Consumer Sustainability Orientation framework. The findings obtained from partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis using 503 responses confirm that resilient coping positively influenced both intrinsic and extrinsic life goals. While intrinsic goals reinforce all aspects of sustainability orientation (ecological, social, and economic), extrinsic goals show a contrasting effect—positively affecting economic orientation but negatively impacting ecological and social dimensions. Among sustainability orientations, the ecological dimension had a significant positive effect on sustainable fashion consumption behavior. The research also reveals that resilient coping directly improves social and economic dimensions of sustainability orientations, but it does not significantly influence ecological orientation. This study offers insight into differentiated marketing communication strategies for retailers depending on consumers’ goals—intrinsic or extrinsic—and implies the importance of the dynamic impact of each dimension of sustainability orientation on consumers’ sustainable fashion consumption choices.

Sustainable consumption in Indonesia: Health awareness, lifestyle, and trust among Gen Z and Millennials

This study explores the pathways to sustainable consumption among Gen Z and Millennials in Indonesia, focusing on the roles of health awareness, lifestyle behavior, and trust. Sustainable consumption in this context refers to conscientious choices made by individuals to minimize negative impacts on the environment and society while supporting personal health and well-being. A total of 210 respondents, representing consumers aged 18 to 42, who had purchased from healthy food restaurants in Jakarta, participated in the survey. This age range was chosen to encompass both Generation Z and Millennials, with a focus on individuals who are likely to be financially independent and capable of purchasing food for themselves. This sample was chosen to capture insights from key demographics known for their influence on consumption patterns and environmental awareness. Utilizing structural equation modeling, the analysis reveals that health awareness and lifestyle behavior significantly influence healthy food choices and sustainable consumption patterns. The direct path coefficient from lifestyle behavior to sustainable consumption (β = 0.394) surpassed that of health awareness (β = 0.134), underscoring the importance of lifestyle factors in driving sustainable consumption behaviors. Furthermore, trust emerged as a significant mediator between these factors and sustainable consumption. Health awareness and lifestyle behavior explained 65.3% of the variance in healthy food choices and influenced consumer trust by 39.7%. Additionally, lifestyle behavior and trust accounted for 61.2% of the variance in sustainable consumption. These findings highlight the critical role of lifestyle choices and trust-building efforts in fostering sustainable consumption behaviors among Gen Z and Millennials in Indonesia.

Tourist Engagement and Perceived Naturalness: Unveiling the Pathways to Sustainable Tourism and Purchase Intentions in Vertical Farming

With sustainable tourism and escalating food demands, vertical farming emerges as a pivotal innovation that bridges agricultural sustainability and tourism. This paper explores the role of tourist engagement at vertical farms in promoting sustainability awareness, altering perceptions of naturalness of vertical farm agricultural products, and shaping purchase intentions for these products. Utilizing Consumer Socialization Theory (CST) as a framework, the study delves into how tourist engagement at vertical farms can serve as a catalyst for enhancing the appeal and acceptance of sustainable agricultural practices. A cross sectional survey of 558 tourists in Malaysia and the Greater Bay Area of China was conducted using a quantitative approach. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis revealed that tourist engagement significantly increases sustainability awareness and perceived naturalness, which, in turn, positively impacts purchase intentions. Interestingly, while tourist engagement directly increases purchase intentions, sustainability awareness does not directly increase purchase intentions, underscoring the nuanced role perceived naturalness plays in the decision making process. The findings underscore the importance of integrating vertical farming into the tourism experience as a strategy for promoting sustainable agricultural practices and increasing consumer acceptance. This study enriches the discourse on sustainable tourism's role in advancing sustainable agriculture, providing key insights for stakeholders in both the tourism and agriculture sectors to foster environmental stewardship and sustainable consumer behavior.

Determinants Responsible For Sustainable Consumption Behavior Among Youths

Environmental awareness and concern for the natural environment determine purchasing habits, forming sustainable consumption patterns, motivating the population to prefer ecological goods and services. This issue is especially relevant for young people since they will be the consumers of the future, and the progress of humanity in achieving Sustainable Development Goals depends to a large extent on the sustainability and eco-orientation of their consumer behaviour. The article aims to determine the factors that influence the sustainable consumer behavior of young people. The basis of the study was the results of a survey of 89 young people (aged 20 to 36 years, almost half of whom are 23 to 26 years old) in the city of Jaipur (India, the capital of the state of Rajasthan), which is a rapidly growing urban center, so the problems of urban development here are typical of many rapidly developing cities around the world.” The questionnaire consists of 34 questions, of which 27 are aimed at determining the determinants of sustainable consumer behavior, and seven are aimed at evaluating the most sustainable consumer behavior. A five-point Likert scale was used for evaluation. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), which helps to identify the relationships between determinants and sustainable consumer behavior, is performed using Smart PLS. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis and correlation analysis are performed using SPSS. Data suitability for analysis was confirmed using Bartlett’s sphericity test and sampling adequacy measurement results (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin). The reliability and internal consistency of the data were confirmed using the Alpha-Cronbach coefficient, Composite Reliability coefficients and convergent validity / Average variance extracted (AVE) Values. The discriminant validity and suitability of the data for structural modeling was confirmed using the Fornell-Larker criteria. The study proposed and empirically tested 10 hypotheses regarding the positive influence of 5 factor variables (perception of consequences, behavioral control, response efficiency, sensitivity to the environment, and environmental knowledge) on 2 resulting variables: behavioral intentions and sustainable consumption behavior. According to the study results, 6 out of 10 hypotheses were confirmed: ecological knowledge, behavioral control, response efficiency, and perception of consequences were determinants of behavioral intentions, while sensitivity to the environment was not. At the same time, only behavioral control and perception of consequences were determinants of sustainable consumer behavior. The results of the study can be used to develop and implement measures aimed at promoting sustainable consumer behavior among young people (for example, educational programs and political initiatives), as well as to create marketing plans that motivate this particular customer group to make sustainable purchase decisions.

Sustainable spatial strategies for mitigating air pollution in quick commerce environments

This paper reviewed various studies on the impact of quick-commerce distribution services on the environment and local communities, with a particular focus on air pollution and increased packaging waste due to the increase in quick-commerce consumption. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Medline, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Scopus to comprehensively investigate and summarise the characteristics of quick commerce distribution, the impact of frequent logistics transport on air pollution, and the increase in packaging waste due to the increase in online shopping demand. Previous studies have mainly addressed the growth characteristics of quick commerce distribution services with the emergence of quick commerce. The results of this study show that quick-commerce distribution services are indeed associated with increased traffic due to frequent transport, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion in cities. In addition, due to the nature of quick-commerce consumption, packaging waste is also increasing due to excessive use of packaging materials for freshness and safe delivery. Therefore, this study suggests sustainable consumption behaviour using local shopping malls and private spaces to minimize environmental pollution in the era of changed distribution services.

The evolution of pro‐environmental behavior research in three decades using bibliometric analysis

AbstractPro‐environmental behavior plays a pivotal role in mitigating adverse environmental conditions like climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the current study aims to demonstrate the evolution of pro‐environmental behavior research and determine the emerging areas of this research field. This study employs a bibliometric approach encompassing temporal, co‐word, citation, and bibliographic coupling analyses using SciMAT and VOS Viewer to analyze 1824 articles extracted from Scopus, spanning the period from 1993 to 2022. The findings of bibliometric analysis reveal that (i) After the introduction of sustainable development goals, the research on pro‐environmental behavior has considerably evolved and gained enormous diversity, (ii) the predominant research themes include ecotourism, sustainable consumption behavior, and corporate social responsibility, (iii) green behavior and green marketing are the two significant emerging research areas. This study would facilitate research practitioners and academicians in comprehending evolving trends and identifying avenues for future research.

Evaluating the Role of Economic Factors in Sustainable Consumption Behaviour

The research paper investigates the intricate nexus between economic factors and sustainable consumption behaviour, providing a nuanced exploration of how such considerations shape an individual’s choice in the realm of environmental responsibility. Drawing on established theories of consumer behaviour and sustainability, this study employs a positivist approach encompassing quantitative surveys and analysis. It scrutinises the effects of prices, expectations and other broader economic conditions on the adoption of sustainable practices. The findings contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge by providing a holistic understanding of the economic levers instrumental in driving towards sustainable consumption like taste and preferences and price or hindering the shift towards sustainable consumption like societal behaviour and availability of alternatives. This research aims to inform policymakers, businesses and consumers alike, facilitating the development of targeted interventions and initiatives that foster a harmonious convergence of economic and ecological goals.

Sustainable energy consumption behaviour with smart meters: The role of relative performance and evaluative standards

AbstractThe growing adoption of smart meters enables the measurement of households' energy consumption, influenced not solely by building characteristics such as thermal insulation but also by residents' behavioural patterns, such as heating and ventilation practices. To motivate residents to adopt more sustainable behaviours, user interfaces on smartphones and laptops are increasingly using consumption data from households' smart meters to enable effective goal‐setting. In contrast to previous research largely focusing on goal‐setting in isolation, this study examines the role of specific social comparison‐related design features that future research and practitioners can consider along with goal‐setting to stimulate sustainable behaviours. Specifically, we look into the influence of residents' perception of their relative performance (i.e., whether their behaviour was better or worse than a reference group) on their ambition to act (i.e., targeted improvement goal) and their actual energy consumption behaviour. Moreover, we investigate the influence of a goal's evaluative standard (i.e., whether the goal refers to one's own or other's performance) on the relationship between relative performance, ambition to act, and energy consumption behaviour. Drawing on social comparison theory, we conducted a framed field experiment with 152 households. We find that a goal's evaluative standard influences residents' awareness of their relative performance, affecting their ambition to act and, ultimately, their energy consumption behaviour. More specifically, we find that whereas other‐ (vs. self‐) referencing goals encourage residents from worse‐than‐average performing households more strongly to improve their energy consumption behaviour, they discourage better‐than‐average ones. Overall, our study provides novel insights into the interplay between relative performance and evaluative standards as a means of fostering social comparison in smart meter‐facilitated goal‐setting, highlighting their crucial role in effectively supporting sustainable behaviours.