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The Consumption of Organic, Traditional, and/or European Eco-Label Products: Elements of Local Production and Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Eugenia Țigan

    (Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 Elena Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, Romania)

  • Oana Brînzan

    (Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 Elena Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, Romania)

  • Ciprian Obrad

    (Department of Sociology, West University of Timișoara, 4 Vasile Pârvan Bld., 300223 Timișoara, Romania)

  • Monica Lungu

    (Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 Elena Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, Romania)

  • Nicoleta Mateoc-Sîrb

    (Department of Management and Rural Development, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului Street no.119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Ioana Anda Milin

    (Department of Economics and Company Financing, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului Street no.119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Simona Gavrilaș

    (Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 Elena Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, Romania)

Abstract

When we talk about products with a low impact on the environment, e.g., organic, traditional, or having the European ecological label, their sales are a central element of the economy. Many variables and local cultural values influence consumer behavior, including education and life requirements. Sustainable development involves education on consumption habits and low-environmental-impact production. This article aims to identify the role of education and remuneration in the consumption of sustainable products. Different working hypotheses are formulated. The first hypothesis of our study tests the existence of a direct correlation between the consumer’s level of education and their opinion on consuming low-environmental-impact products, influencing the ability to make appropriate decisions. The second one refers to the level of income and consumption behavior. The research method is a statistical one, based on a quantitative analysis and using a questionnaire as a tool. For 60% of the high-level graduate respondents, a product’s source is significant in their choices. Over 70% of the responders who earn above the median income believe it is essential to consume organic products. The results obtained confirm our initial assumptions. Our findings underline the current knowledge regarding consumption of sustainable products, their characteristics, and consumers’ interest in them.

Suggested Citation

  • Eugenia Țigan & Oana Brînzan & Ciprian Obrad & Monica Lungu & Nicoleta Mateoc-Sîrb & Ioana Anda Milin & Simona Gavrilaș, 2021. "The Consumption of Organic, Traditional, and/or European Eco-Label Products: Elements of Local Production and Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:17:p:9944-:d:629109
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    References listed on IDEAS

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