Sustainable consumption in the market of food production : the case of Lubuskie Voivodeship

Abstract

Purpose: The main aim of this study was to show different approaches to sustainable consumption and attitudes toward food waste and environmental pollution. The main goal formulated in this way is associated with specific objectives, which include identifying factors determining consumer behaviour on the organic food market, as well as to indicate the approach to the issue of food waste and the problem of environmental pollution. Design/Methodology/Approach: The article is based on theoretical considerations, which were supported by the results of own research, presenting tendencies and phenomena in the consumer behaviour of contemporary consumers characteristic of sustainable consumption. Surveys were used in the studies to demonstrate the determinants of this phenomenon. An empirical study using the survey method was conducted were carried out on consumers of the Lubuskie Voivodeship from May to September 2017. Findings: The conducted research shows that more than half of the respondents declared behavior in the sphere of consumption in accordance with eco-consumption. The study also found that more than half of women and men perceive the problem of food waste in their household. Among the activities to promote sustainable consumption, the most common were the use of reusable bags, waste segregation, and buying products that are produced in an environmentally friendly way. Economic factors affecting internal demand as well as environmental and institutional conditions turned out to be the key ones. Practical Implications: The presented considerations are of great importance for practice. They constitute an indicator which conditions the influence on the increase of consumption of food products. There is important for food producers. Originality/Value: The paper presents the attitudes of consumers towards ecological products, environmental and social issues and identifies consumer pro-ecological behaviors that translate into the state of the natural environment and affect the level of consumption sustainability.