Beyond Recycling: ‘Commons-friendly’ waste reduction at new consumption communities
Bekin, C., Carrigan, M. and Szmigin, I. (2007), Journal of Consumer Behaviour, Volume 6, p. 271-286.
Exploring waste and disposal behaviour in the UK, this paper uses ethnographic research in six voluntary simplifier communities. In these six cases, it is shown how the behaviours and practices exhibited by consumers might be usefully employed at a larger scale, with possible implications for marketing and policy making.
Bins, Bulbs, and Shower Timers: On the ‘Techno-Ethics’ of Sustainable Living
Hobson, K. (2006) Ethics, Place and Environment, Volume 9, Issue 3, p. 317-336.
This paper fleshes out the concept of sustainable citizens, through the use of qualitative research conducted in Sydney, Australia. The paper explores the everyday environmental ethics in practice, exploring the social relationships people have with the materials that they use within their domestic environments.
Carbon offsetting: sustaining consumption?
Lovell, H., Bulkeley, H. and Liverman, D. (2009) Environment and Planning A, Volume 41, p. 2357 – 2379.
This paper examines carbon offsetting as a growing consumer product and market, using theories of sustainable and ethical consumption. The authors draw on secondary and primary sources to investigate this relatively new area of alternative consumption, and assess the future of carbon the offsetting industry.
Consumers, policy and the environment: a tribute to Folke Ölander.
Grunert, K.G, J. Thøgersen, F. Ölander. 2005. New York: Springer Science+Business Media Inc. Book preview available here.
The role of the consumer has changed from seeking the most satisfaction from goods and services to reconciling consumption with active citizenship, which links consumption to modern social issues such as environmental protection, sound business ethics, and fair working conditions.
Understanding consumers - the way they buy products, the way they relate to questions of environmental importance, and the way they participate in public policy formulation processes - is of vital importance to modern society.
In this book, eminent researchers examine contemporary issues related to the field of consumers, policy, and the environment. (Grunert, Thøgersen and Ölander, 2005)
Ecological consumer behaviour: an empirical analysis.
Fraj, E., and E. Martinez. 2007.Internationsl Journal of Consumer Studies Volume 31 Issue no.1, pages 26-33.
Increasingly, consumers choose ecological products when they do the shopping, not only because it is a healthier option but also because it helps to sustain the environment for future generations.
They are prepared to switch products for ecological reasons and stop buying products from companies that cause pollution. Firms and other economic institutions are aware of the importance of reflecting these attitudes towards the environment in developing their products.
This paper is focused on environmental attitudes as meaningful predictor of ecological behaviour. A three-dimensional approach to this variable has been developed, which addresses its emotional, cognitive and conative components.
A random sample survey of 573 individuals was used to verify the conceptual model and framework. This model was assessed initially by principal factor analysis and subsequently, by structural equation modelling. Findings of this study showed that environmental attitudes have a significant effect on ecological behaviour.
This research improves our understanding of how consumers feel and what attitudes best define their way of behaving in relation to environmental problems.(Fraj and Martinez, 2007 p.26)
Morality and Climate Change: Is Leaving your TV on Standby a Risky Behaviour?
Butler, C. (2010) Environmental Values, Volume 19, p. 169-192.
Using UK-based qualitative research with consumers, this paper discusses the relationship between risk and morality within consumption choices. The focus of the paper is around lay discourses of climate change and household consumption, and how consumers interact with public discourses surrounding climate change mitigation.
Shopping for Sustainability: Can Sustainable Consumption Promote Ecological Citizenship?
Seyfang, G. (2005) Environmental Politics, Volume 14, Issue 2, pages 290 – 306.
This paper explores the relationship between sustainable consumption and ecological citizenship, and whether the two are complimentary. This includes an overview of sustainable consumption academic debates and policy objectives, followed by a discussion of how sustainable consumption can be used to achieve ecological citizenship and the policy implications of this approach.
Sustainable consumption: developments, considerations and new directions
Hinton, E.D. and Goodman, M.K. (2010) in Redclift, M., Woodgate, G. (Eds.) The International Handbook of Environmental Sociology, Edward Elgar: Cheltenham, 245 – 261.
This book chapter looks at the developments surrounding Sustainable Consumption, with a review of recent policies, as well as the role of information, feelings of responsibility and new discourses of sustainable consumption. The chapter also discusses notions of sustainable consumption in the face of the recent economic recession, and what this means for consuming sustainably.
Thinking Habits into Action: the role of knowledge and process in questioning household consumption practices
Hobson, K. (2003) Local Environment, Volume 8, Issue 1, pages 95 – 112.
This paper explores the role of individuals in achieving sustainable development, namely through sustainable consumption practices. This paper explores potential reasons for a lack of uptake of public messages about sustainable consumption and lifestyles. To evidence these ideas, Hobson draws on her research conducted in the UK as part of a sustainable behaviour change programme called ‘Action at Home’.
What we buy, what we throw away and how we use our voice: sustainable household waste management in the UK
Barr, S. (2004)Sustainable Development, Volume 12, p. 32-44.
This paper discusses how a range of different attitudes and actions can influence sustainable consumption behaviours, particularly towards waste management. Using data derived from a study of attitudes towards waste management and subsequent behaviour change, carried out in southwest England, the paper puts forward the case for a conceptual framework for understanding consumer behaviour towards sustainable development.