Sustainable consumption, the social dimension

Abstract

This review contributes to a deeper understanding of what quality of life means from a sustainable consumption perspective. Different motivations of consumers, and the contributions of the rich and poor to unsustainable patterns of consumption are presented. This paper opens the discussion around the complex relationship between consumption, values, identity and mechanisms for making purchase choices in a globalized context, and under the light of relevant literature. Smaller and more localized economic models are described as positive strategies for considering new ways of perceiving a simpler and more local lifestyle as positive to the environment. This paper emphasizes the importance of cultural and ethical values, which are directly linked to patters of consumption.