Sustainable consumption

what are the different approaches in the field of sustainable consumption?

• behavioural/psychological approaches

• cultural approaches

• sociological approaches

• political/critical approaches

• economic approaches

what is the core idea and typical solutions of behavioural/psychological approaches?

• core idea: people consume unsustainably because they lack information, awareness or pro-environmental values

• solutions:

  • education & information

  • awareness campaigns

  • labels & certifications

  • nudges & behaviour change techniques

what is the core idea and typical solutions of economic approaches?

• core idea: people consume unsustainably because they respond to their own economic self-interest

• solutions:

  • taxes & pricing

  • incentives & subsidies

  • market-based instruments (e.g. carbon pricing)

what is the core idea and typical solutions of political approaches?

• core idea:

  • consumption can be a form of political action and citizenship

• solutions:

  • ethical consumption

  • boycotts/buycotts

  • ecological citizenship - act as responsible, engaged consumers

what is the core idea and typical focus of sociological approaches?

• core idea: consumption is shaped by social, technical and infrastructural conditions

• focus:

  • everyday practices

  • habits & routines

  • infrastructures

  • social norms

why does sociology matter?

• it addresses the intention-action gap by recognizing that context —mental, social, physical, and situational—dictates behaviour

how is consumption embedded?

• each act of consumption cannot be understood independently from its world

• consumption is shaped by:

  • social norms & cultural expectations

  • political-economic systems, infrastructures & systems of provision

  • every day routines & practices

• therefore:

  • sustainability transitions require systemic change

  • and attention to the contexts in which people live

what does sustainable fashion transitions require?

• repair & reuse infrastructures

• alternative systems of provision

• slowing fast retail cycles

• circular options in central urban spaces

• making circular practices accessible.