Selected environmental aspects of consumer behavior

Ing. David Brož

Doctoral thesis

Abstract:

The dissertation contains three separate published articles examining various aspects of consumer environmental behavior. The first two articles delve into environmentally friendly purchasing and management of resources and waste, while the third article explores the factors influencing the need for labeling of genetically modified foods. The first article examines the purchasing behavior of households with regard to ecological preferences, analyzing the impact of environmental concerns, perceptions of climate change, trust in EU policies and media exposure to ecological purchasing habits. A study of a representative sample of 904 respondents in the Czech Republic uses principal component analysis, correlation studies, and ordinal regression analyzes to reveal significant findings. The second article focuses on explaining the ecologically responsible management of resources and waste. It examines the influence of environmental concerns, perceptions of climate change, preferences for EU integration, and media exposure on the propensity to save resources and dispose of waste. Again, the study on a representative sample of 904 respondents in the Czech Republic uses similar methodological approaches to reveal important implications at the conceptual and political level. The third article examines factors influencing consumer attitudes toward the labeling of genetically modified products. The study analyzes a representative sample of the Czech population (N=884) and examines the influence of various factors such as information about genetically modified foods, environmental concerns, perceived health effects, eating habits and socio-demographic characteristics on preferences for GMO labeling. The findings shed light on the multifaceted dynamics underlying public attitudes toward GMO labeling and provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the ongoing debate about genetically modified products. In conclusion, this dissertation presents a comprehensive survey of consumer environmental behavior in three different articles. Through a careful analysis of various factors such as environmental concerns, perceptions of climate change, media exposure and societal attitudes, significant insights were revealed regarding environmentally conscious purchasing, resource and waste management, and attitudes towards the labeling of genetically modified products. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics shaping consumer behavior in the context of environmental sustainability. In addition, the implications of these studies offer valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers seeking to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices in society. As we navigate an increasingly complex environmental landscape, the knowledge gained from this dissertation serves as a foundation for informed decision-making and strategic interventions aimed at promoting a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Keywords

green waste management, Consumption behavior, sustainble economy

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 11. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Inna Čábelková, Ph.D.
• Reader: Marek Dvořák, Ph.D. Ing.Paed.IGIP, Ing., Ivo Zdráhal, externi, Tomáš Volek, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Doctoral programme:
Podniková a odvětvová ekonomika