A Change Towards Sustainable Consumption : Examining the lack of environmental knowledge as a barrier to change
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Consumption has gone through several revolutions since the beginning of industrialization. As production has advanced and consumption has increased, carbon emissions have risen, accelerating climate change. The situation has become unsustainable as the Earth limited resources are overused. Today, consumers are under a pressure to make better and more informed consumption choices. A change aligned with the principles of sustainable development, and the circular economy is essential. The aim of the study was to better understand the phenomenon of sustainable consumption and its relevance, to examine expectations regarding environmental knowledge, to collect and analyse data on consumer perceptions, and to draw conclusions and suggestions for companies, environmental education and future research. This mixed-method study used an online survey and a semi-structured interview as research methods. The interviews were used to provide in-depth information on the survey topics. The results were analysed using a data matrix and content analysis. The study focused on the Finnish context with a total of 59 survey respondents and 3 interviewees. The results provided valuable insights into consumer perspectives and highlighted the need to improve environmental education to promote sustainable consumption. While consumers recognized the importance of and expressed interest in sustainable consumption, they often lacked sufficient knowledge and had low awareness of circular economy tools and terminology. The results of the study showed several practical implications that can be used to promote the change towards sustainable consumption. Firstly, the implementation of consumer awareness and environmental knowledge campaigns, secondly, providing reliable and comparable information through purchasing processes. Thirdly, offering information related on the use of circular economy tools and key terms and their meanings. Fourthly, the integration of sustainable development and sustainable development goals into environmental education.
Source: Theseus (Ammattikorkeakoulujen)
Author: Ihme, Eveliina
Language: English
Subfield: Marketing
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7045747954