Sustainable Consumption Behavior Research Articles

New Zealand ethical consumption driven by universalism and personal achievement; can it also be fun?

ABSTRACT Overconsumption and environmental pollution in New Zealand are leading to the depletion of its resources, threatening its ecosystem. This paper explores New Zealanders’ ethical and sustainable consumption behaviour, and the motivations and values that drive them. Seventy in-depth interviews with a variety of ethical consumers were conducted and analysed using laddering technique to uncover drivers behind ethical consumption habits. Results reflect the complexity and variety inherent in ethical consumption, and its motivations and drivers. Most ethical behaviours are environmentally focused, aimed at pollution reduction and environmental conservation. Ethical behaviours with a social focus are directed at the local or the international community. Social justice, equality and unity of nature (all sub-values of universalism) are revealed as drivers of ethical behaviours, and are complemented by personal achievement (feeling capable) and feelings of enjoyment – consuming ethically can also be ‘fun’. The complexity of the findings highlights the need for customised messaging from policymakers and businesses to increase ethical consumption behaviours in New Zealand.

Influence of religiosity on sustainable consumer behavior in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries

Influence of religiosity on sustainable consumer behavior in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries

Factors Influencing Consumer Upcycling Behavior—A Study Based on an Integrated Model of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Technology Acceptance Model

In the context of the global climate change debate, changing consumer awareness and guiding them towards sustainable lifestyles should be key considerations. This study investigates the factors influencing consumers’ upcycling behaviors by conducting research and collecting 336 valid questionnaires at the “Eco Blet” sustainable design exhibition and workshop held at Livat Beijing (Ingka Centres Beijing). The survey results revealed that consumers’ upcycling behavior is significantly influenced by subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived usefulness, and attitudes. In addition, individuals with higher levels of education and those with annual incomes of less than 100,000 RMB and more than 400,000 RMB are more likely to engage in upcycling. The empirical analysis of consumer upcycling behavior is conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM), and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and technology acceptance model (TAM) are integrated into a comprehensive framework. This research provides both theoretical support and practical insights for promoting sustainable consumer behaviors, contributing significantly to carbon emission reduction.

From Knowledge to Action: The Power of Green Communication and Social Media Engagement in Sustainable Food Consumption

Understanding what drives sustainable consumer behavior is crucial for effective green marketing strategies. We set out to explore the mechanisms explaining the relationships between environmental attitudes, perceived environmental knowledge, and green consumption values on consumer behaviors, specifically the mediating roles of receptivity to green communication and social media engagement with environmentally friendly firms. We also investigated the moderating role of information seeking in these relationships. Data were collected through a survey of 610 Greek respondents between May and July 2024 and analyzed using IBM SPSS and AMOS version 23. Findings show significant and positive paths between green consumption values and receptivity to green communication, e-word-of-mouth intention, food behavior, and other environmental behaviors, while receptivity to green communication and social media consumers’ engagement with environmentally friendly firms has a significant and positive impact on e-word-of-mouth intention and food behavior. Findings reveal that credible and detailed communication is essential for engaging information-seeking consumers, who are more critical of green messages.

Breaking down purchasing intentions: selecting policy instruments for sustainable consumption

ABSTRACT Despite the breadth of sustainability issues, research on sustainable consumption mostly concentrates on environmental-orientated consumption and values. Alongside environmentally oriented approaches, policies mixes encouraging sustainable consumption need to account for socially responsible purchasing behaviour, such as ensuring inclusivity, as well as for the cognitive biases and heuristics underpinning such practices. This study investigates consumer motivations in Hong Kong through analysing a territory-wide survey to inform knowledge regarding the social aspect of sustainable consumption behaviour. We find a correlation between sense of belonging and social consumption intent, and empathy and social consumption intent, which is not the case for sustainable consumption intent. There is no significant correlation between moral obligation and sustainable consumption intent or between sense of belonging and sustainable consumption intent. Finally, knowledge is positively correlated to social and sustainability consumption intention. This provides insights into how policy tool mixes can be more impactful in motivating sustainable purchasing practices while identifying gaps in the conceptualization and understandings of sustainability that need addressing.

Mitigating overconsumption through mindfulness: the role of cashless payments in impulsive buying and sustainable consumer behaviour

ABSTRACT Cashless payments are becoming increasingly common and potentially cause relevant overconsumption issues, a key concern in Sustainable Development Goal 12 (United Nations 2015). This study explores the impact of this phenomenon and proposes measures to address it. Insights from 498 e-commerce shoppers analysed in SEM reveals a positive relationship between cashless payments and impulsive buying (β = 0.23). However, mindfulness significantly reduces impulsive tendencies (β = –0.55) and moderates the influence of cashless payments on impulsive behaviour. These findings contribute to consumer behaviour literature by highlighting how mindfulness can curb impulsive buying, thereby promoting sustainable consumption. The research provides actionable insights for policymakers and marketers aiming to foster responsible consumer practices in the digital age, aligning with global sustainability efforts.

Impact Factors for Sustainable Consumption in Todays World

One can define sustainable consumption as the act of procuring services or products that satisfy the requirements of individuals while simultaneously reducing the impact on the environment, which has become increasingly important in addressing global challenges like climate change and resource depletion. The present study explores the factors influencing sustainable consumption, focusing on social, economic, psychological, policy, and business strategy aspects. By reviewing research surveys, results of regression analysis, and case studies, this paper reveals that social norms, income levels, environmental awareness, government policies, and green marketing strategies significantly impact consumers sustainable consumption behaviors. The findings of the study emphasize that sustainable consumption can only be effectively promoted if multifaceted influences are considered in an integrated manner and several sustainable strategies involving all stakeholders are put in place. Ultimately, this investigation renders useful awareness for the benefit of consumers, companies, and policymakers who are interested in enhancing their practices regarding sustainability.

Key Factors Influencing Consumer Choices in Wood-Based Recycled Products for Circular Construction Sector

This article explores the integration of wood recycling and reuse practices within construction and reconstruction processes, as highlighted in a wood products questionnaire. The aim of this study is to understand how the Romanian consumers perceive the circular economy in order to adopt responsible consumption models. The working instrument consisted of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was applied to 60.7% urban respondents and 39.3% rural ones and consisted of 23 items. The response rate was 68.5% for certain items (257 responses). In the first part, the integration of wood recycling and reuse practices within construction and reconstruction processes is examined. Emerging recycling techniques and demolition processes, particularly incorporating reused, reconditioned, and recycled wood in the construction industry, are evaluated. The economic and environmental implications of these practices are also examined, contributing to the discussion of eco-design policies, and construction waste management and standards. In the second part, insights are provided into how Romanian consumers’ knowledge of CE principles, information about product characteristics, and attitudes influence the demand for recycled wood products. The study concludes with recommendations for better promotion strategies of wood-based recycled products, aiming to increase awareness of its long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits. Additionally, it suggests the need for providing more information on the environmental benefits of wood-based recycled products, and for a more active engagement of stakeholders in the transition to a circular economy. The results serve as a basis for a better understanding of Romanian consumers’ adoption of sustainable consumption behavior in agreement with circular economy concepts and SDGs. While the majority of respondents generally shows openness to an eco-friendly product, mere promotion of these principles may not suffice to change entrenched behaviors and purchasing habits.

Enhancing Environmental Awareness for Sustainable Retail: Analysis of the Buy-Online-and-Return-in-Store Policy Adoption Using Theory of Planned Behavior

This study explores the context of buy-online-and-return-in-store (BORS) policy from an environmental perspective and conducts a comprehensive analysis through the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Adding environmental awareness and awareness of consequences provides a new perspective on how sustainable practices can be enhanced through an omni-channel retail strategy. Survey responses from 405 participants were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results show that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are key determinants of practical BORS policy. The study found that environmental awareness significantly influenced BORS adoption directly and indirectly by enhancing perceived behavioral control, whereas consequence awareness primarily affected adoption by shaping consumer attitudes. Compared with consumers who choose to return online, consumers who prefer in-store returns show higher environmental awareness, highlighting the environmental advantages of BORS. In addition, the BORS policy improves overall shopping satisfaction by integrating the convenient process of online purchases and offline returns, allowing consumers to switch freely between different channels. These findings provide valuable insights for retailers and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable consumer behavior to effectively promote the importance of sustainable retail practices.

Shaping sustainable tourism: how minimalism and citizenship behavior influence tourists’ proenvironmental behavior

Purpose This study aims to examine the roles of minimalist and citizenship behaviors in influencing sustainable tourism practices. It further examined the role of moral credit as a mediating factor in these relationships. Additionally, this research scrutinizes the moderating effects of age and gender on these behavioral influences. Design/methodology/approach This study used a descriptive, quantitative and cross-sectional design to examine the data of 451 tourists visiting three destinations in India. The proposed conceptual model was evaluated through partial least squares structural equation Modeling, and the impact of the control variables was examined via PLS-Multi Group Analysis. Findings The results confirmed that minimalist and citizenship behaviors significantly influence pro-environmental actions. Moral credit has emerged as a pivotal bridge between these behaviors and sustainable tourism practices, underscoring its mediating role. Additionally, the analysis revealed that age and gender substantially moderated these relationships, highlighting the demographic-specific dynamics. Originality/value This study provides novel insights into how behaviors such as minimalism and citizenship contribute to sustainable travel practices. The identification of moral credit as a key mediator, along with the demographic nuances of age and gender, offers unique perspectives on sustainable consumer behavior dynamics within tourism. These findings provide valuable directions for stakeholders in sustainable tourism and policymakers aiming to cultivate positive consumer behaviors and advance the sustainability of the sector.

Çevresel, sosyal ve ekonomik sürdürülebilirlik bilincinin ve algılanan tüketici etkinliğinin sürdürülebilir tüketim bağlamında incelenmesi

This systematic literature review examines the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability consciousness within the framework of altruistic and selfish approaches. The study aims to analyse the effects of these consciousness levels on sustainable consumption. The research covers academic studies published in Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases between 2010 and 2024. Environmental sustainability awareness includes individuals' awareness of ecological problems and the environmental impacts of consumption behaviours. Social sustainability awareness focuses on issues of justice, equality and social welfare. Economic sustainability awareness enables consumers to act from the perspective of economic rationality. Perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) is emphasised as a critical antecedent of sustainable consumption. High ATE increases the likelihood of individuals adopting sustainable consumption behaviours. In conclusion, this systematic literature review offers recommendations for understanding and enhancing perceived consumer effectiveness by comprehensively addressing environmental, social and economic sustainability awareness. For future research, the study suggests comparing different dimensions of sustainable consumption between developing and developed countries and exploring the intrinsic motivations behind sustainable consumption behaviours.

Artificial Intelligence, Smart Applications and Sustainable Consumption: A Theoretical Overview

Sustainable consumption means consuming natural resources consciously, considering future generations. In today's technological age, artificial intelligence and smart applications are used to achieve sustainability goals. In this context, this article examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart applications on promoting sustainable consumption behavior. Providing a comprehensive theoretical framework, this article explores how AI technologies support informed decision-making, maximize resource management, and deliver positive environmental impact across a variety of industries. Through a variety of examples, from energy management plans to environmentally friendly retail platforms, the effects of artificial intelligence and smart applications on sustainable consumption are highlighted. This article includes examples of smart applications used to promote sustainable consumption around the world and in Türkiye. Natural challenges that need to be overcome, such as algorithmic biases, data privacy issues and the digital divide, are also mentioned. The article offers recommendations for Türkiye, highlighting the importance of financing digital infrastructure, data privacy laws, digital literacy initiatives and innovation ecosystems, with the aim of emphasizing the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart applications for sustainable consumption.

Sustainable consumption behavior among Bahraini young female consumers

Sustainable consumption behavior among Bahraini young female consumers

Influence of moral reasoning and environmental concern on sustainable food consumption behaviors: A gender comparison among university students

Currently, South American countries face social and environmental challenges that can be addressed through the transformation of food purchasing and preparation patterns. This study aims to enhance comprehension regarding personal factors influencing sustainable food consumption, by examining the impact of moral reasoning and environmental concern on this behavior. The responses of 233 Chilean university students to an online self-report survey were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The results have shown that moral reasoning and environmental concern positively impact sustainable food consumption behaviors, such as opting for food with minimal packaging, conserving energy during cooking, and repurposing food waste. Additionally, significant gender differences in these effects were observed. These novel findings provide further evidence supporting the necessity of bolstering moral education and environmental consciousness to foster the adoption of sustainable food consumption practices among university students in developing South American nations. Furthermore, the results underscore the importance of considering gender distinctions in education, particularly in light of entrenched family and societal roles.

Navigating towards sustainable energy consumption behavior of households in Lahore Division of Pakistan: consumer’s energy conservation preferences as a catalyst for change

Navigating towards sustainable energy consumption behavior of households in Lahore Division of Pakistan: consumer’s energy conservation preferences as a catalyst for change

Integrating Sustainability and Circular Economy into Consumer-Brand Dynamics: A Saudi Arabia Perspective

This study examines the evolving consumer-brand dynamics within Saudi Arabia, particularly focusing on the integration of sustainability into consumer preferences and brand loyalty. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and non-parametric statistical methods, this research is anchored in Consumer Culture Theory (CCT) and Self-Congruence Theory, exploring how brand personality and consumer self-congruence influence sustainable consumption behaviors and the adoption of circular economy practices among Saudi consumers. The findings reveal a significant correlation between brand loyalty and sustainable purchase decisions, underscoring the pivotal role of brand identity in fostering eco-conscious consumer choices. Additionally, the research highlights a nuanced landscape of brand loyalty, where attributes, such as social responsibility, though currently less influential, present opportunities for brands to align more closely with consumer values and national sustainability goals. The study also identifies demographic factors, such as age and income level, as significant influencers of sustainable purchasing decisions. This study provides insights into the generational shift towards environmental awareness and the implications for businesses and policymaking within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Examining sustainable consumption patterns through green purchase behavior and digital media engagement: a case of Pakistan’s postmillennials

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to identify the variables influencing consumers' perceptions of sustainable purchasing intentions and the effects such perceptions have on actual sustainable purchasing behavior. This paper aims to develop an understanding of the postmillennial generation's consumption of sustainable products.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was used to collect data for quantitative analysis. It involved sampling a total of 251 respondents, which were postmillennials belonging to the twin cities of Pakistan. A series of tests were applied through Smart PLS4 for all the variables, including descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results revealed that there is a significant relationship of social value and electronic word of mouth with digital media usage (DMU). Whereas, link of functional and emotional value with DMU was insignificant. The results also portrayed that there exists a positive link between DMU and sustainable consumption behavior (SCB). Moreover, green purchase intention moderated the relationship between DMU and SCB.Originality/valueThere exists a research gap on the role of postmillennial behavioral regulation and digital media use, as potential influences on their purchase behavior. Despite the fact that digital media has been shown to influence millennials' purchasing decisions in the past, there is still a reluctance among postmillennials to engage in environmentally friendly practices. Consequently, research is necessary to comprehend sustainable consumer behaviors; especially from an unaddressed Pakistani perspective.

Comprehensive Study on the Determinants of Green Behaviour of Slovenian Consumers: The Role of Marketing Communication, Lifestyle, Psychological, and Social Determinants

Despite the growing importance of green consumption, the green attitude–behaviour gap remains a key challenge, highlighting the discrepancy between consumers’ expressed environmental concerns and their actual sustainable-purchasing practices. This study identified key determinants of consumers’ sustainable behaviours and the influence of sustainable development goals-related marketing communication across socio-demographic groups. A quantitative causal research design was employed based on a self-administered online questionnaire targeting the Slovenian population (N = 502). The findings indicate a positive, though weak (ρ = 0.384), correlation between consumers’ attitudes and their behaviours. A substantial and significant positive influence of marketing communication, psychological, and social determinants on pro-environmental behaviour was found, while lifestyle inhibited this behaviour. An analysis of the marketing communication dimension showed that it had the greatest influence on men, consumers aged 35 years or more and those with lower education and income, especially through the information received, trust, and advertisement attractiveness. These results suggest the need for tailored marketing strategies that emphasise practical benefits and trustworthy information to effectively promote sustainable practices. This research underscores the importance of clear and credible marketing communications in fostering sustainable consumer behaviour, particularly in regions where scepticism towards marketing claims is widespread.

Fostering sustainable consumer behaviour: Unravelling the determinants of repair intentions for smart appliances

Consumer demand for repair services is vital for prolonging product lifespan, yet factors influencing the repair intention for smart appliances remain unclear. Addressing this gap, we propose an extended theory of planned behaviour, incorporating four additional constructs: environmental knowledge, cost of repair, financial benefit, and data security. We collected data from 383 participants in the United Kingdom, which we analysed using a partial least squares approach. Results reveal that the cost of repair, perceived behavioural control, attitude, and financial benefit directly impact repair intention, while subjective norms do not. Environmental knowledge indirectly influences repair intention through attitude mediation, and data security's impact is not moderated by attitude. This extended theory offers a theoretical foundation for future related studies, providing insights for repair providers, environmental NGOs, and policymakers. Our findings can inform interventions promoting repair behaviour and guide policies incentivising consumers, thus increasing the demand for repair services.

Exploring the impact of a dualistic model of harmony on sustainable consumption behavior: the mediating role of ethical evaluation

Exploring the impact of a dualistic model of harmony on sustainable consumption behavior: the mediating role of ethical evaluation