Title: "Responsible Consumerism"
Author: Doe, Jane
Periodical: Consumer Issues
Publication Date: March 25, 1997
Subject Headings: Sustainable Development; Responsible Consumerism; Social Responsibility; Ethical Consumerism.
Abstract: The underlying principle of sustainable development is that three areas - economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity - are linked. Some key issues in the study of sustainable development include controlling world population growth, agricultural production in an environmentally sound manner to meet increasing demand for food, limiting greenhouse gases to prevent climate change, preserving biodiversity, and responsible consumerism. Individuals often feel powerless to effect positive change towards sustainable development. But activities in support of responsible consumerism have had measurable impact on the growth of socially responsible companies. Awareness of "eco-efficiency" issues such sweatshops, child labor, and third-world working conditions in the production of consumer goods, and attention to energy consumption , packaging, waste and recycling policies of companies, have focused attention on global consumption and consumer ethics. Public opinion regarding the environment and consumer issues is changing business practices. College and university students especially have drawn significant attention to ethical consumer issues. Businesses have learned that socially responsible policies can make them attractive to consumers and more competitive in the marketplace.