W5: “Sustainable Consumer Behavior” – Eva

For a recent research project I had chosen to investigate the increasing pollution in the perimeter of the Republic of China. I am in an on-going evaluation how China is dealing with it’s ecological concerns, and the article “China’s Sustainable Fashion Paradox” introduced a new perspective into my analysis. Just as Kostadinova stresses that “One of the main criticisms towards green consumerism is that it exacerbates the problem of overconsumption by reducing consumers’ guilt as they feel they are taking some pro-environmental action”(230); it suggests that the methodology of informing /or raising awareness/ to the general public has not reached its potential peak as so many still do not understand the concept of sustainability.  Alternatively, those who do understand don’t necessarily contribute, which to an extent is an even larger issue than ignorance. Comprehending that ‘sustainability’ is not just a ‘reduction in the intensity of consumption'(231) is an essential step in overcoming this first obstacle. It is also interesting to consider that the first step towards problem solving becomes an obstacle later down the line, or at least something that needs altering. I am really involved in understanding Design Thinking, as I see its application to be very universal in targeting options for concerns as large as the ecology. Through gaining understanding, I am able to move towards ‘action’ in my behaviour, which is not the most common response to knowledge these days. This raises questions: Why do I feel this way? How could more people be involved in the initial phases of research and consideration? 

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