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Economic theories of sustainable consumption

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  • Bergh, Jeroen C.J.M. van den

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculteit der Economische Wetenschappen en Econometrie (Free University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics Sciences, Business Administration and Economitrics)

  • Ferrer-i-Carbonell, Ada

Abstract

The term ‘sustainable consumption’ denotes the search for consumption patterns that reduce human pressure on the environment and nature. This search involves three levels of research. First, the relationship between consumption, lifestyles and environmental sustainability has to be clarified. A general scheme of relationships will be presented here. Second, a theoretical framework for studying economic behaviour, consisting of five elements, is proposed. Moreover, various theoretical models are discussed in this context. Finally, the policy relevance of specific theories of behaviour for sustainable consumption is considered. This gives rise to both traditional and innovative prescriptions.

Suggested Citation

  • Bergh, Jeroen C.J.M. van den & Ferrer-i-Carbonell, Ada, 1999. "Economic theories of sustainable consumption," Serie Research Memoranda 0055, VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Econometrics.
    • Handle: RePEc:vua:wpaper:1999-55
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Olfa Jaballi & Sebnem Sahin, 2005. "Towards sustainable lignite consumption in Turkey and a welfare analysis," Université Paris1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Post-Print and Working Papers) halshs-00194716, HAL.
    3. James C. Brau & Craig Merrill & Kim B. Staking, 2011. "Insurance Theory And Challenges Facing The Development Of Microinsurance Markets," Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship (JDE), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 16(04), pages 411-440.
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    6. M. O. Sales & T. F. Assunção & S. S. Albuquerque & F. A. B. F. De Moura, 2014. "Absorption Spectra And Level Spacing Statistics In A Ternary Alloy With An Ornstein–Uhlenbeck Disorder Distribution," International Journal of Modern Physics C (IJMPC), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 25(02), pages 1-12.
    7. Ângela Maria Marx & Istefani Carísio De Paula & Fabiane Sum, 2010. "Sustainable consumption in Brazil: Identification of preliminary requirements to guide product development and the definition of public policies," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 34(1), pages 51-62, February.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Consumer behaviour; economic growth; dematerialisation; ‘Factor 4’ rebound effects; recycling; endogenous preferences; lexicographic preferences; imitation; satisficing; habitual behaviour; life styles; needs; happiness; welfare.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • Q20 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - General
    • Q30 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - General

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