Sustainable consumption behaviours in Colombia: profile analysis

Abstract

The excessive use of natural resources has led to a paradigm shift in consumption, from a traditional vision to sustainable consumption, linked to the development of society in three dimensions: quality of life, care for the environment and resources for future generations. However, the study of individual (consumer) behaviour is incipient, which makes it difficult to develop policies aimed at this type of consumption derived from both the public and private sectors. Therefore, the present work aims to establish individual profiles through sustainable consumption behaviors in Colombia. In order to fulfill this objective, a cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out, through the application of a self-reporting scale that evaluates the factors mentioned above. The sample was composed of 393 individuals. The results show three clearly differentiated groups, the moderate, the indifferent and the ideal ones, however, the second one stands out, where the subjects that conform it show a generalized disinterest regarding this type of consumption. Thus, it is concluded that, as there is no single profile, various strategies must be considered to improve such behaviour in society and thus contribute to sustainable development.