Green Consumption

Green lifestyles and ethical consumption have become increasingly popular strategies in moving towards environmentally-friendly societies and combating global poverty. Where previously environmentalists saw excess consumption as central to the problem, green consumerism now places consumption at the heart of the solution. However, ethical and sustainable consumption are also important forms of central to the creation and maintenance of class distinction. Green Consumption scrutinizes the emergent phenomenon of what this book terms eco-chic: a combination of lifestyle politics, environmentalism, spirituality, beauty and health. Eco-chic connects ethical, sustainable and elite consumption. It is increasingly part of the identity kit of certain sections of society, who seek to combine taste and style with care for personal wellness and the environment. This book deals with eco-chic as a set of activities, an ideological framework and a popular marketing strategy, offering a critical examination of its manifestations in both the global North and South. The diverse case studies presented in this book range from Basque sheep cheese production and Ghanaian Afro-chic hairstyles to Asian tropical spa culture and Dutch fair-trade jewellery initiatives. The authors assess the ways in which eco-chic, with its apparent paradox of consumption and idealism, can make a genuine contribution to solving some of the most pressing problems of our time.

This book provides a broad understanding of whether law plays a role in influencing patterns of sustainable consumption and, if so, how. Bringing together legal scholars from the Global South and the Global North, it examines these questions in the context of national, transnational and international law, within single and plural legal systems, and across a range of sector-specific issue areas. The chapters identify how traditional legal disciplines (e.g. constitutional law, consumer law, public procurement, international public law), sector-related regulation (e.g. energy, water, waste), and legal rules in specific areas (e.g. eco-labelling and packing) engage with the concept of sustainable consumption. A number of the contributions describe this relationship by isolating a national legal system, while others approach it from the vantage point of legal pluralism, exploring the conflicts and convergences of rules between multiple international treaties (or guidelines) and those between the rules of international and transnational law (or both) vis-à-vis national legal systems. While sustainable consumption is recognised as an important field of interdisciplinary research linking virtually all social science disciplines, legal scholarship, in contrast, has neglected the importance of the field of sustainable consumption to the law. This book fills the gap.

Based on theories discussion, policy analysis, and case studies, this title examines green consumption in China from both the macro level of policy evolution and the micro level of community participation and implementation. Drawing on the theories of sustainable development, ecological philosophy, environmental economics, consumer psychology and behavior, and community participation, this book approaches the issues of green consumption in China from the legislative and administrative aspects and economic and information means. In looking into the cases of Shenzhen and Beijing, the book unravels the implementation and development of green consumption at the community level in terms of community participation and people’s awareness of the issue. Combining global experiences and local empirical studies, it discusses the concepts, evolution, and influencing factors of green consumption. It focuses on China's policy and practice, as well as the institutional hindrance and policy suggestions for further progress. This book will appeal to researchers, professionals, and policymakers interested in sustainable development, green economy, environmental economics, and sustainable consumption policy in China.

This new volume provides a holistic understanding the importance of promoting green products and discusses consumers' buying intentions and decisions. The chapters consider consumer behavior theory in the context of green or ecologically friendly products from both the academic and business perspectives.

Over the past 50 years, one of the biggest worldwide concerns has been ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Growing interest in the circular economy model provides the chance to create system-wide goals for all societies with economic, financial, and governance decision-making as critical drivers and solutions. The Handbook of Research on Sustainable Consumption and Production for Greener Economies examines the critical factors that can encourage sustainable consumption production patterns and a green economy. The major barriers hindering consumers and producers from moving towards sustainable consumption, sustainable consumption behavior and production patterns, the green economy, and more are explored. Covering topics such as green economy, sustainable consumption, and resource management, this book is ideal for government officials, policymakers, researchers, academicians, and more.

Colorful bracelets, funky brooches, and beautiful handmade beads: young crafters learn to make all these and much more with this fantastic step-by-step guide. In 12 exciting projects with simple steps and detailed instructions, budding fashionistas create their own stylish accessories to give as gifts or add a touch of personal flair to any ensemble. Following the successful "Art Smart" series, "Craft Smart" presents a fresh, fun approach to four creative skills: knitting, jewelry-making, papercrafting, and crafting with recycled objects. Each book contains 12 original projects to make, using a range of readily available materials. There are projects for boys and girls, carefully chosen to appeal to readers of all abilities. A special "techniques and materials" section encourages young crafters to try out their own ideas while learning valuable practical skills.

One of the greatest global challenges is to integrate economic growth and welfare with environmental sustainability. The 12th goal under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-12) addresses this challenge by calling for sustainable consumption and production patterns. It is a holistic and responsible approach that entails the production, acquisition, consumption, and disposal of goods and services based on their pro-environmental benefits. Consumers want to act green, but they expect businesses to lead the way. As such, marketers are playing an important role in encouraging green consumerism by reinforcing sustainability in behavioral patterns. Actionable steps need to be taken to encourage sustainable consumption and align consumers’ behaviors with their stated preferences. Achieving Economic Growth and Welfare Through Green Consumerism offers a comprehensive analysis of green consumerism, taking into account the diversity of views and debates surrounding the ideology. The diversity of topics and multidisciplinary viewpoints offer an insightful overview of the nature of green consumerism, its manifestations, issues, and practices. Covering topics such as consumption behavior, green marketing tools, and purchasing behavior, this premier reference source is a pivotal resource for business leaders, business analysts, economists, marketers, students and educators of higher education, researchers, and academicians.