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Beyond Abundance: Self-Interest Motives for Sustainable Consumption in Relation to Product Perception and Preferences

Author

Listed:
  • Anne Marchand

    (School of Industrial Design, University of Montreal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Branch, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada)

  • Stuart Walker

    (Imagination Lancaster, The Round House, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YD, UK)

  • Tim Cooper

    (School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, Nottingham Trent University, Burton Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU, UK)

Abstract

This paper presents results of a study that examined the perceptions and preferences of identified “responsible, sustainable consumers” with respect to functional products. The study is part of a larger research program that looks at material cultures and product design in relation to sustainable production and consumption. Based on empirical data gathered from among citizens attempting to follow sustainable lifestyles, the authors reflect on how the adoption of sustainable consumption patterns can not only be motivated by altruistic and environmental considerations, but also, significantly, by perceived personal benefits, including an expected increase in personal well-being. These motivations, together with how they unfold into preferences for particular product characteristics, are discussed. The paper concludes that the understanding of such motives, along with their implications for the ways in which products and services are conceived and positioned, may warrant further research as it can represent a key incentive for change towards a more sustainable future.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne Marchand & Stuart Walker & Tim Cooper, 2010. "Beyond Abundance: Self-Interest Motives for Sustainable Consumption in Relation to Product Perception and Preferences," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 2(5), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:2:y:2010:i:5:p:1431-1447:d:8433
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Doris Fuchs & Sylvia Lorek, 2005. "Sustainable Consumption Governance: A History of Promises and Failures," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 28(3), pages 261-288, September.
    2. Tim Jackson, 2005. "Live Better by Consuming Less?: Is There a “Double Dividend” in Sustainable Consumption?," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 9(1‐2), pages 19-36, January.
    3. Thomas Princen, 2003. "Principles for Sustainability: From Cooperation and Efficiency to Sufficiency," Global Environmental Politics, MIT Press, vol. 3(1), pages 33-50, February.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Mollie Painter & Sally Hibbert & Tim Cooper, 2019. "The Development of Responsible and Sustainable Business Practice: Value, Mind-Sets, Business-Models," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 157(4), pages 885-891, July.
    3. Syndhia Mathé & Hélène Rey-Valette, 2015. "Local Knowledge of Pond Fish-Farming Ecosystem Services: Management Implications of Stakeholders’ Perceptions in Three Different Contexts (Brazil, France and Indonesia)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(6), pages 1-23, June.
    4. Pedro Cisneros-Saguilán & Felipe Gallardo-López & Silvia López-Ortiz & Octavio Ruiz-Rosado & José G. Herrera-Haro & Rafael Ruiz-Hernández, 2024. "Perception of the Sustainable Cattle Ranching Concept Among Producers, Extension Specialists, and Chief Officers in Oaxaca, Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-16, November.
    5. Vicky Franssen & Karijn Bonne & Nicky Malfliet & Christel De Maeyer & Marilyn Michels, 2017. "The Sharing Economy: About Micro-Entrepreneurship and Givers’ (Financial) Motives," MIC 2017: Managing the Global Economy; Proceedings of the Joint International Conference, Monastier di Treviso, Italy, 24–27 May 2017,, University of Primorska Press.

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