This paper examines the association between pro-environmental consumption and subjective well-being and tests whether this type of decision could be explained as a utility-maximizing choice under welfare economics, or it is subject to systematic deviations from rational choice. The literature provides evidence for positive and significant effects of pro-environmental consumption on subjective well-being; however, studies describing this relationship and drawing comparisons based on specific dimensions are limited. Here we try to fill the gap by proposing two composite indicators, representing preferences for pro-environmental behaviour in different dimensions. The indicator “proactive behaviour” encompasses the consumption of products with better environmental efficiency, while the indicator “avoidance behaviour” pertains to sustainable choices that involve avoiding - or less frequently engaging in - consumption decisions with negative ecological externalities. The findings, based on data from the Aspects of Daily Life survey conducted in Italy by ISTAT, provide that the former has a stronger effect on subjective well-being compared to the latter. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that environmental satisfaction negatively moderates the relationship between sustainable consumption and life satisfaction.

Does pro-environmental consumption contribute to subjective well-being? Empirical evidence from Italy

Rashad Mammadli
Co-primo
;
Chiara Gigliarano
Secondo
2023-01-01

Abstract

This paper examines the association between pro-environmental consumption and subjective well-being and tests whether this type of decision could be explained as a utility-maximizing choice under welfare economics, or it is subject to systematic deviations from rational choice. The literature provides evidence for positive and significant effects of pro-environmental consumption on subjective well-being; however, studies describing this relationship and drawing comparisons based on specific dimensions are limited. Here we try to fill the gap by proposing two composite indicators, representing preferences for pro-environmental behaviour in different dimensions. The indicator “proactive behaviour” encompasses the consumption of products with better environmental efficiency, while the indicator “avoidance behaviour” pertains to sustainable choices that involve avoiding - or less frequently engaging in - consumption decisions with negative ecological externalities. The findings, based on data from the Aspects of Daily Life survey conducted in Italy by ISTAT, provide that the former has a stronger effect on subjective well-being compared to the latter. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that environmental satisfaction negatively moderates the relationship between sustainable consumption and life satisfaction.
2023
2024
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003801212400168X
Pro-environmental consumption, Consumer choice, Distorted choice, Subjective well-being, Environmental satisfaction
Mammadli, Rashad; Gigliarano, Chiara
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11383/2173192
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