Edwin Zaccai

Sustainable consumption, ecology and fair trade

What powers do consumers have to change their behaviours? The answer to that question depends on the definition given of consumers and the attributes that result. But the definition of consumers varies widely from one theoretical model to the next. This paper reviews different models of consumers and analyses the role and powers they supposedly have in the more general framework of the consumer society. It concludes that consumers practices and attitudes are currently shaped by performative models of individuals, and calls for collective devices that could redistribute current relationship of powers.

Assessing the role of consumers in sustainable product policies

A global analysis shows that considerable forces contribute nowadays to the perpetuation of the so-called “developed” model of consumption, and its extension to growing parts of the world, despite reiterated calls for “modification of production and consumption patterns”. Environmental product regulation can be situated in this general perspective. This paper returns to the framing of policies devoted to ecologically sustainable consumption, taking the example of the Integrated product policy at the European level. How are the objectives of such policies defined? What instruments are privileged? Comparing theoretical approaches with policy design, we focus on the role devoted to consumers in these contexts. Bringing in literature evidence, survey results and findings from an original study, we argue that appropriate knowledge of the diversity of consumers’ attitudes and about the limitations of their possible actions is not properly taken into account in product policies, notably when information and voluntary tools are dominant. From this point of view, environmental product regulations are well justified, but they should, as all policy instruments implicating consumers, take careful notice of their situation.

How to attribute power to consumers?: When epistemology and politics converge

What powers do consumers have to change their behaviours? The answer to that question depends on the definition given of consumers and the attributes that result. But the definition of consumers varies widely from one theoretical model to the next. This paper reviews different models of consumers and analyses the role and powers they supposedly have in the more general framework of the consumer society. It concludes that consumers practices and attitudes are currently shaped by performative models of individuals, and calls for collective devices that could redistribute current relationship of powers.

How far are biodiversity loss and climate change similar as policy issues

Climate change and biodiversity loss have a central position in policy debate about global environmental change; however, of the two, climate change has a higher profile. This paper explores the similarities and difference between the two issues. Climate change is better defined and better understood as a policy issue, it is underpinned by a strong scientific consensus and practical units of measurement (CO2 and financial impacts), and mitigation involves a key economic sector in energy. Biodiversity loss is less easily understood, more diffuse and less tangible, and policy responses do not engage major economic sectors. We argue that these differences contribute to the higher public and policy profile of climate change and can inform attempts to enhance responses to the problem of biodiversity loss.

Ecological-oriented consumption: a pluriactoral approach

We propose a model grouping the main factors that allow the success or failure of actions in ecological-oriented consumption to be assessed. Illustrated by some case studies, this model is then situated within a broader pluriactoral analysis, bringing together consumers, industries, and public authorities. We show that the conditions needed for the success of ecological-oriented choices by consumers are multiple. Therefore, these types of action may not, by far, be the only tool in changing consumption patterns. We suggest some roles that each group of actors may play in this respect, and their limitations.

Toward policies for climate change mitigation: “Barriers for family-sized biogas in the District of Gihanga, Burundi”

In the context of climate change mitigation and poverty reduction, it has been argued that biogas energy is relevant, as it is economically and ecologically useful. In the 1980s, biogas use played an important role in the development of Burundi. Many schools and public institutions had implemented such installations. Unfortunately, many biogas infrastructures were destroyed in the civil war of the 1990s. This study analyzes what could be done, after a decade of crisis, to develop that sector. It aims to assess how and to what extent the inhabitants of villages are willing to contribute to the development of biogas technologies. We interviewed 150 farmers in order to assess their perception on the ecologic and economic features of biogas plants if implemented in their villages. The influence of socioeconomic, cultural, and demographic factors of households was assessed in this study. Results suggest that the maximum amount that a household is willing to pay each month for biogas use at a family level is positive for large-size households, households that are aware of climate change, consumers of candles, households with high income, households with an educated head, women, and breeders. However, the willingness decreases for households with older head of families. The study concludes that awareness campaigns on biogas benefits and financial and nonfinancial incentives are necessary. This policy should probably and primarily be oriented toward some more receptive categories of the population. Women should be fully involved, considering their positive motivation toward sustaining this sector.

Conclusions: The future of sustainable consumption

What powers do consumers have to change their behaviours? The answer to that question depends on the definition given of consumers and the attributes that result. But the definition of consumers varies widely from one theoretical model to the next. This paper reviews different models of consumers and analyses the role and powers they supposedly have in the more general framework of the consumer society. It concludes that consumers practices and attitudes are currently shaped by performative models of individuals, and calls for collective devices that could redistribute current relationship of powers.