Práticas de consumo sustentável: a percepção do indivíduo sobre a sua própria responsabilidade, de outras pessoas e do governo

Abstract

Current levels and patterns of consumption have been identified as behaviors that compromise quality of life. However, consuming is an activity inherent in the existence of the human being. Given this scenario, it becomes indispensable to transform consumption into a sustainable activity in a way that meets the needs of the current generations without compromising the satisfaction of the needs of future generations, maintaining a balance with the natural environment, origin of resources and destination of residues consumption practices. Consumption practices are influenced by variables that transcend individual and individual characteristics of each consumer, such as the influence of other people and government. This research aims at analyzing consumer perceptions about the influence of himself/herself, other people and government on sustainable consumption practices. A quantitative survey was carried out using the Ribeiro and Veiga´s sustainable consumption scale (2011) to measure the consumption practices of individuals residing in Fortaleza (CE), over 25 years of age, who have their own income and have a complete high school level or superior. The results are consistent with Azjen (1991), Eden (1993) and Portilho (2008) studies and indicate that the consumer tends to perform sustainable behavioral behaviors when he or she attributes to himself/herself the responsibility for consuming sustainably. The other people were not perceived by the respondents of this research as influencers for the adoption and practice of sustainable behavioral behaviors, contrary to the literature (PORTILHO, 2008; STERN et al., 1999). As for government influence, the results of this research suggest that the more the individual perceives government participation in the performance of sustainable practices, the more he or she is motivated to practice behaviors of sustainable behavior.