Impact of online shopping frequency on overconsumption in European households : regional analysis with a focus on Poland

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the article is to examine the impact of the frequency of online shopping on the reasons for getting rid of functional items from households.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Consumer culture provides people with new consumption patterns and attractive incentives that stimulate them to constantly acquire new goods and services. The attitude of consumerism leads to a situation in which the more a consumer possesses, the greater the desire to possess. Consumerism explains the pro-consumption attitude of members of highly developed societies, but it also permeates developing countries.

FINDINGS: The article is based on secondary data and the results of the authors' own research, conducted on a representative sample of adult Poles. Based on the results of the survey, it can be observed that an increase in the frequency of online shopping results in an increase in the consumption of products and a greater need to get rid of functional items from households.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: It should not be forgotten that consumerism causes many negative effects on the environment. First of all, consumerism is the cause of waste of natural resources. At the same time, it should be emphasized that the activities of individuals and households have significant environmental consequences in the aggregate.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Based on the results of this article, significant improvements in the environment can result from a change in their behavior.