Sustainable Consumption Behavior in the Context of Pandemics
Summary
The onset of global health emergencies has underscored the interplay between public health and environmental resilience, bringing sustainable consumption behaviour to the fore of academic and policy debates. During pandemics, consumers often reassess priorities, shifting from habitual or impulse purchases towards more deliberate choices that balance health, safety and ecological footprint. Heightened awareness of supply‐chain vulnerabilities encourages local procurement and shorter distribution networks, while digital channels expand access to sustainable options. Psychological responses to risk—ranging from fear and uncertainty to awe and altruism—mediate attitudes towards green products, prompting higher willingness to pay premiums and stronger commitments to eco-friendly practices. Socio-demographic factors such as age, gender and income shape the magnitude of behavioural shifts, as do cultural norms and levels of environmental literacy. Together, these dynamics foster innovation in retail, spur demand for certified sustainable goods and offer a unique window for policymakers and businesses to lock in greener habits formed during crisis periods.
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Sustainable Consumption Behavior in the Context of Pandemics publication trend
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Technical terms
Stimulus–Organism–Response theory: A psychological model describing how external events (stimuli) influence internal states (organism) leading to behavioural outcomes (response).
Theory of Planned Behaviour: A framework positing that behavioural intention is driven by attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control.
Perceived behavioural control: An individual’s assessment of their ability to perform a given behaviour.
Subjective norms: Perceived social pressures to engage or not engage in a behaviour.
Green consumption behaviour: Purchase and use of products that minimise environmental impact and promote sustainability.
References
- Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sustainability knowledge and sustainable purchase decisions: the application of the theory of stimulus–organization–response. Cogent Business & Management (2024).
- Exploring generation Z consumers’ purchase intention towards green products during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. e-Prime - Advances in Electrical Engineering Electronics and Energy (2024).
- Is Covid‐19 changing sustainable consumer behavior? A survey of Italian consumers. Sustainable Development (2022).
- Sustainable Consumer Behavior: The Driving Force of Innovation in Retail. Sustainability (2023).
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