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Shaping Sustainable Consumption Behavior
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Shaping Sustainable Consumption Behavior

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (4 March 2024) | Viewed by 20594

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Tunmin (Catherine) Jai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Hospitality and Retail Management, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA
Interests: sustainable consumption; consumer trust; digital marketing; omnichannel retailing
Dr. Ruirui Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Fashion Design and Retailing, College of Arts and Humanities Framingham State Univerity, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
Interests: sustainable consumer behavior; life cycle assessment in fashion industry; enviornmental ethics and philosophy; ESG reporting

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite the progress made in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through legislation and government incentives, there are still many technological roadblocks, conflicts of interest, and self-preservation mindsets that hinder sustainable behaviors. According to triple-bottom-line principles, sustainable consumption needs to focus on maintaining a balanced consumption, which is economically, socially, and environmentally desirable for sustainable development. Shaping and influencing sustainable behavior presents a significant challenge for many sectors, including the fashion, food, and tourism industries, etc. Consumption patterns have a significant impact on the environment, and unsustainable practices can lead to a host of negative consequences, including climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. To address this challenge, this Special Issue calls for studies on shaping sustainable consumption behaviors from various perspectives.

Previous research has yielded some fruitful results indicating that certain factors are predictors of sustainable behavior or behavior intention, including altruism, environmental and social impact awareness, prosocial/pro-environmental behavior, ethical product availability, and informational transparency. Incentives such as discounts for recycling apparel, or non-financial incentives such as recognition for sustainable behavior, have also been found to encourage sustainable consumption among consumers. Additionally, providing digestible information through eco-labeling and carbon footprint, or using marketing strategies such as default opt-out programs where consumers are automatically enrolled in sustainable programs that prioritize energy efficiency, could help translate conscious consumption into daily choices.

We encourage both original research studies and reviews that fall within the scope of the following areas (but are not restricted to them):

  • Theoretical developments to enhance our understanding of the gap between sustainable consumption attitudes and behavior;
  • Artificial intelligence and statistical techniques to analyze and predict sustainable consumption patterns;
  • The influence of communication and marketing strategies on sustainable consumer behavior;
  • Moral and ethical values that influence sustainable consumption among diverse groups;
  • The development of sustainable consumption educational pedagogy;
  • Business models, industrial applications, and case studies.

Dr. Tunmin (Catherine) Jai
Dr. Ruirui Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable production and consumption
  • consumption
  • consumption habits
  • eco-friendly
  • carbon emissions
  • consumer choices
  • innovative solutions

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 458 KiB  
Article
Motivators of Circular Fashion: The Antecedents of Chinese Consumers’ Fashion Renting Intentions
by Chunmin Lang and Ruirui Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 2184; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16052184 - 06 Mar 2024
Viewed by 706
Abstract
This study investigates how intrinsic (i.e., shopping values, frugality, and perceived enjoyment) and extrinsic factors (i.e., perceived risks) influence Chinese consumers’ intentions regarding fashion renting. A quantitative study was conducted with data collected from a Chinese online research platform named Wenjuanxing. Data cleaning [...] Read more.
This study investigates how intrinsic (i.e., shopping values, frugality, and perceived enjoyment) and extrinsic factors (i.e., perceived risks) influence Chinese consumers’ intentions regarding fashion renting. A quantitative study was conducted with data collected from a Chinese online research platform named Wenjuanxing. Data cleaning generated 322 valid samples out of 354 returned responses. Both SPSS 23.0 and Mplus 7 were used for data analysis. The hypotheses were tested through a structural equation model (SEM). The results theoretically confirm and expand the knowledge regarding what conceptual constructs impel or restrain consumers’ renting behaviors. The positive influences of frugality, perceived enjoyment, and attitude regarding fashion renting intention are also confirmed. The statistics also indicate the negative influences of perceived social risk on attitude and perceived enjoyment. This study aims to investigate both the motivations and barriers to fashion renting intention among Chinese consumers. It echoes the current rising research demand of investigating consumers’ responses to circular fashion, specifically fashion renting. The results of this study are expected to shed light on the understanding of Chinese consumers’ renting intentions, which could help to improve the efficiency of marketing strategies of fashion rental businesses and increase fashion circulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Sustainable Consumption Behavior)
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15 pages, 285 KiB  
Article
Electric Vehicle Adoption Barriers in Thailand
by Jung-Fa Tsai, Sheng-Che Wu, Pajaree Kathinthong, Thu-Hien Tran and Ming-Hua Lin
Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1642; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041642 - 16 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1102
Abstract
Adopting electric vehicles (EVs) is a potential solution to reduce emissions and protect the environment. Although countries encourage people to use EVs to replace gasoline and diesel vehicles, the application of EVs still needs to overcome many barriers, especially in developing countries such [...] Read more.
Adopting electric vehicles (EVs) is a potential solution to reduce emissions and protect the environment. Although countries encourage people to use EVs to replace gasoline and diesel vehicles, the application of EVs still needs to overcome many barriers, especially in developing countries such as Thailand. This study aims to identify critical barriers that hinder the adoption of EVs not only among EV owners but also among non-EV owners. First, two rounds of the modified Delphi method were used to identify significant barriers through expert opinions. The decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was then applied to determine their relationship. Among financial, technical, infrastructure, and policy dimensions, industrial experts agree about 14 significant barriers to the adoption of EVs. The results show that the long charging duration, limited driving range, and lack of charging stations are the most critical barriers affecting Thai customers adopting EVs. This study’s findings will help manufacturers and policymakers understand customer requirements and develop appropriate strategies to improve the adoption of EVs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Sustainable Consumption Behavior)
24 pages, 5319 KiB  
Article
CnSR: Exploring Consumer Social Responsibility Using Machine Learning-Based Topic Modeling with Natural Language Processing
by Jisu Jang and Jiyun Kang
Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010197 - 25 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1118
Abstract
This study delves into Consumer Social Responsibility (CnSR) within the fashion industry, with the goal of understanding consumers’ sustainable and responsible behavior across three major consumption stages: acquisition, utilization, and disposal. While “corporate” social responsibility (CSR) has been extensively studied in the literature, [...] Read more.
This study delves into Consumer Social Responsibility (CnSR) within the fashion industry, with the goal of understanding consumers’ sustainable and responsible behavior across three major consumption stages: acquisition, utilization, and disposal. While “corporate” social responsibility (CSR) has been extensively studied in the literature, CnSR that sheds light on “individual consumers” has received less attention and is understudied. Using topic modeling, an unsupervised machine learning (ML) technique that uses natural language processing (NLP) in Python, this study analyzed textual data consisting of open-ended responses from 703 U.S. consumers. The analysis unveiled key aspects of CnSR in each of the consumption processes. The acquisition stage highlighted various ethical and sustainable considerations in purchasing and decision making. During the utilization phase, topics concerning sustainable and responsible product usage, environmentally conscious practices, and emotional sentiments emerged. The disposal stage identified a range of environmentally and socially responsible disposal practices. This study provides a solid and rich definition of CnSR from the perspective of individual consumers, paving the avenue for future research on sustainable consumption behaviors and inspiring the fashion industry to create goods and services that are in line with CnSR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Sustainable Consumption Behavior)
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23 pages, 2963 KiB  
Article
Consumer Profiles of Sustainable Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in the European Union
by Elżbieta Goryńska-Goldmann, Anna Murawska and Grażyna Balcerowska-Czerniak
Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15512; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115512 - 01 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1420
Abstract
Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) advocating a healthy and balanced diet for consumers for many years, inadequate fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption remains a substantial issue with economic, social, environmental, and nutritional implications. This study aims to identify consumer profiles for sustainable [...] Read more.
Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) advocating a healthy and balanced diet for consumers for many years, inadequate fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption remains a substantial issue with economic, social, environmental, and nutritional implications. This study aims to identify consumer profiles for sustainable fruit and vegetable consumption in the European Union, considering specific demographic and socio-economic factors. The analysis is based on data from the 2019 European Health Interview Survey (EHIS). This article provides a clear understanding of how gender, age, education level, income, and place of residence relate to sustainable FV consumption through a principal component analysis (PCA). By defining consumer profiles linked to sustainable and healthy FV consumption, the study aids in creating cohesive goals for promoting health within European society. The results of the PCA reveal four distinct consumer profiles and enhance our understanding of the factors influencing these profiles. These findings align with previous research, indicating that consumer profiles remain relatively consistent. According to the PCA classification, sustainable fruit and vegetable consumption is more prevalent among women, educated individuals, higher-income consumers, and those over 55 years old. In contrast, the opposite profile consists of consumers with lower income, younger and middle-aged individuals, men, and those with less than a high school education, highlighting the need for effective strategies to promote a healthier diet in this group. Countries with lower economic development, reflected in consumer incomes, deviate the most from the recommended “at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day” consumption pattern, and do not exhibit a sustainable consumption model. Thus, continued monitoring of consumer profiles is essential, with a focus on both the quantity and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as strategies aiming to increase their intake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Sustainable Consumption Behavior)
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16 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
The Sustainability-Conscious Consumer: An Exploration of the Motivations, Values, Beliefs, and Norms Guiding Garment Life Extension Practices
by Michelle Burton and Rachel Eike
Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 12033; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151512033 - 06 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2361
Abstract
Sustainability has increasingly become one of the single biggest issues requiring immediate global attention by both the retail industry and the consumer. As the end users of garments, consumers play a key role in reversing the current devastating environmental trends. For consumers to [...] Read more.
Sustainability has increasingly become one of the single biggest issues requiring immediate global attention by both the retail industry and the consumer. As the end users of garments, consumers play a key role in reversing the current devastating environmental trends. For consumers to do this, there is a need to understand those motivating factors that would encourage them to increase their involvement in sustainability-related practices. This study, therefore, addresses the motivations, values, beliefs, and norms of the consumer’s sustainable consumption behavior (SCB). The value-belief-norm (VBN) theory was used as a framework to explain beliefs and behaviors which serve as predictors for attitudes and behavioral intentions. Data were collected through interviews with 14 female participants in six countries selected because of their environmentally-conscious behaviors. Findings indicate poor fit is a motivating factor to extend the life of clothing by providing participants with a sense of control and empowerment. Participants believed fashion was an unlimited reusable resource. Future research might explore connections among creativity, mental wellness, and empowerment. Both fashion industry and academic practitioners would benefit, as a need exists to update consumer behavior models, and increase understanding, based on the wants and needs of the sustainability-conscious consumer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Sustainable Consumption Behavior)
16 pages, 1592 KiB  
Article
Do Consumers Perceive Cultivated Meat as a Sustainable Substitute to Conventional Meat? Assessing the Facilitators and Inhibitors of Cultivated Meat Acceptance
by Wei Fu, Hongping Zhang, Jeremy E. Whaley and Youn-Kyung Kim
Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11722; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511722 - 29 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1632
Abstract
Conventional meat production has become a force of environmental damage, but global meat consumption is predicted to continue increasing. Therefore, the technology of cultivated meat is undergoing rapid development. The current study explores what factors explain U.S. consumers’ intention to purchase cultivated meat [...] Read more.
Conventional meat production has become a force of environmental damage, but global meat consumption is predicted to continue increasing. Therefore, the technology of cultivated meat is undergoing rapid development. The current study explores what factors explain U.S. consumers’ intention to purchase cultivated meat as a sustainable substitute for conventional meat by applying a dual-factor model. A total of 410 completed responses were received from a nationwide survey. Structural equation modeling was conducted to test the model and hypotheses. The results showed that physical health, animal welfare, and food quality significantly encouraged consumer acceptance of cultivated meat as a sustainable substitute for conventional meat. Food technology neophobia significantly inhibits the acceptance of cultivated meat, whereas unnaturalness did not show an impact on cultivated meat acceptance. Furthermore, the acceptance of cultivated meat as a sustainable substitute significantly enhanced consumers’ purchase intention. The findings inform practitioners about promoting cultivated meat in that marketers should emphasize the benefits of cultivated meat with health, animal welfare, food quality, and the environment. While technological language should be used carefully to avoid food technology neophobia, it is also essential to educate consumers on the science of cultivated meat in order for them to understand its benefits to sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Sustainable Consumption Behavior)
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37 pages, 5902 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Literature Review of Fashion, Sustainability, and Consumption Using a Mixed Methods Approach
by Osmud Rahman, Dingtao Hu and Benjamin C. M. Fung
Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12213; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612213 - 10 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 11252
Abstract
With the growing global awareness of the environmental impact of clothing consumption, there has been a notable surge in the publication of journal articles dedicated to “fashion sustainability” in the past decade, specifically from 2010 to 2020. However, despite this wealth of research, [...] Read more.
With the growing global awareness of the environmental impact of clothing consumption, there has been a notable surge in the publication of journal articles dedicated to “fashion sustainability” in the past decade, specifically from 2010 to 2020. However, despite this wealth of research, many studies remain disconnected and fragmented due to varying research objectives, focuses, and approaches. Conducting a systematic literature review with a mixed methods research approach can help identify key research themes, trends, and developmental patterns, while also shedding light on the complexity of fashion, sustainability, and consumption. To enhance the literature review and analytical process, the current systematic literature review employed text mining techniques and bibliometric visualization tools, including RAKE, VOSviewer, and CitNetExplorer. The findings revealed an increase in the number of publications focusing on “fashion and sustainability” between 2010 and 2021. Most studies were predominantly conducted in the United States, with a specific focus on female consumers. Moreover, a greater emphasis was placed on non-sustainable cues rather than the sustainable cues. Additionally, a higher number of case studies was undertaken to investigate three fast-fashion companies. To enhance our knowledge and understanding of this subject, this article highlights several valuable contributions and provides recommendations for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Sustainable Consumption Behavior)
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