Do sustainable products make us prevention focused?

In recent years, increasing attention is evident with regard to the depletion of natural resources, the development of “green” products and services and the sustainability practices of organisations. Building on Regulatory Focus theory (Higgins, Organ Behav Hum Decis Processes 69(2):117–132, 1997), we examine the difference between a promotion focus for marketing products and services (which emphasises attainment, achievement and advancement) and a prevention focus (which emphasises protection, security and responsibility). The results of three empirical studies show that (1) perceived sustainability practices of a company activate a prevention focus in consumers, (2) consumers make prevention-focused inferences about the products of a sustainable company, and (3) sustainable products are perceived to be better positioned if they are marketed with prevention-framed (vs. promotion-framed) appeals. This suggests that companies with sustainability-oriented practices and product offerings will be more effective if they use prevention-focused appeals in their marketing efforts. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.     

Do consumers act in a sustainable way using their refrigerator? The influence of consumer real life behaviour on the energy consumption of cooling appliances

Over recent decades, energy savings and resource conservation have become increasingly important issues for debate, and this includes the residential sector. Since the introduction of the European Energy Label, the energy consumption of appliances has decreased drastically. Additionally, a number of guidelines have been published to assist the consumer in adopting more energy‐saving behaviours. Refrigerators and freezers in particular are covered by these recommendations because they are large energy consumers in domestic households. In order to understand the influence of consumers' real life circumstances and their behaviour in relation to the energy consumption of refrigerators, a web‐based survey was carried out. A total of 1011 participants in four European countries completed a questionnaire to allow the researchers to gain information about refrigerator characteristics and consumer behaviour in relation to refrigerator use. As well as demographic and socio‐economic characteristics of the participants, data were collected on refrigerator configuration and specification, ambient conditions (ambient temperature, position near any heat sources), and consumer behaviours such as shopping frequency, loading of the refrigerator, door opening and food consumption. The study has shown that recommendations on energy efficient usage are not always observed. A major finding of the present study is that for 25% of refrigerators, correct operation is not ensured as these appliances are operated outside the temperature ranges specified according to their climatic classes. This suggests a lack of consumer information on this topic. Consequently, guidelines and recommendations will have to be revised and their dissemination to be improved in order to ensure the sustainable and safe use of domestic refrigerators.     

From banger to classic – a model for sustainable car consumption?

Cars are the most complex of consumer durables, yet they are not as durable as one may expect. Each year, millions of cars are scrapped, many still roadworthy or easily repairable. As with other consumer durables, consumers increasingly lose their emotional attachment with their old car in favour of a younger model. Is it possible to remedy this failure of consumer–product relationships in the interest of greater product durability and hence greater environmental sustainability? This paper explores this question in the context of the classic car market and suggests there may be some lessons there that could lead to a more sustainable new car consumption culture.     

How durable is sustainable enterprise? Ecological sustainability meets the reality of tough economic times

Today's business leaders are pressed to achieve ecological (eco) sustainable enterprise, but must do so with fewer resources. Given a protracted global recession, our concern is that the motivation for eco-sustainability may not be as strong as hoped for, nor as swift or durable as expected. To create a more explicit discourse on eco-sustainability activities during a recession, we set forth a framework to help business leaders examine their strategic perspective based on their organization's identity. We describe how this may influence how leaders broach change within their organizations, taking a surface or deep approach to achieve eco-sustainability. The intent is to highlight the importance of honestly assessing the firm's purpose and to work toward a more relational orientation in the new economy. To establish eco-sustainability during this recessionary period, we believe a middle path is needed, adopting a blended perspective. To this end, we offer three practical steps to begin this effort: reflection on the firm's values, development of relationships, and cultivation of different forms of change.     

How does the theory of consumption values contribute to place identity and sustainable consumption?

The importance of consumers’ role in sustainable consumption is reflected in the vision of the Sustainable Development Education Panel: To educate consumers to make informed consumption decisions, to take responsibility for their actions and to realize the impact of consumption decisions on future generations. However, educating and informing consumers alone is unlikely to change deeply entrenched unsustainable consumption behaviour. A multi‐faceted approach is required – enforcing sustainable development initiatives through legislation, promoting corporate social responsibility programs on the part of business, and (most importantly), supporting communities that engage in sustainable consumption. This study examines the proposition that individuals who identify with their community (i.e. the residential suburb or a locality where identity is understood geographically) are more likely to engage in sustainable consumption. Specifically, it examines how consumption value (i.e. the perceived value of living in a particular residential suburb) contributes to place identity and to environmental attitudes and sustainable consumption behaviour. Structural equation modelling is used to verify the conceptual model using data from a telephone survey of 561 residents from two inner city suburbs in Auckland, New Zealand. The results support the proposition that environmental attitude and sustainable consumption behaviour is enhanced by consumption values through place identity. Residents who enjoy living in their community, value a clean and healthy environment and believe their suburbs are unique tend to develop a stronger identity with their residential suburb, and are more positive towards sustainable consumption. The results have important implications for social marketers, property marketers and city councils who strive to encourage sustainable consumption among its citizens.     

One to Orow On——With WaI-Mart behind it,sustainable packaging is gaining ground

Aveda and Wal-Mart. A few years ago, it would have seemed that these two companies had little in common. One built its brand on natural products and the promise of eco-friendly practices, the other on the promise of low prices, But shortly after Hurricane Katrina, environmental issues became a chief talking point for Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott, who laid out three environmental goals for the company： to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy, to create zero waste; and to sell products that sustain not only company resources, but the environment.     

Economic Keywords in 2007 in China

RMB exchange rate The exchange rate of Renminbi, the Chinese currency,witnessed an appreciation of around six percent to one U.S.dollar this year.On Decem- ber 13,the central parity rate stood at RMB 7.3568 against one dollar, according to the Chinese Foreign Exchange Trading System,breaking the 7.36 mark.     

Korea Surpasses Japan in Investment in China

From January to May, Korea invested US$ 2.67 billion China, next to HK and Virgin Islands, as the third largest investor to China surpass ing Japan. Investment by Japan amounted to US$ 2.4 billion.     

Invest in Textile in Western China？

The thirteenth Investment ＆ Trade Forum for co-operation between East ＆ West China was held in Xi＇an, Shaanxi Province in April,2009. Under the upsurge of Western China Development, Shaanxi enjoys countless business opportunities and broad investment space.     

Trends in China's Computer Market in 1997

Computers and communications equipment are China's focal points for development in the Ninth Five-Year Plan (FYP) period. With the development of computer technology, computer performance is improved and it is used in a wider range of fields, especially driven by the international trend for the information era. China has seen soaring demand on the computer market in recent years, and the computer     

Multinational Active in Civil Affairs in China

Twenty multinational giants ,which have rep resentative offices in China has passed the half year investigation and been awarded for their outstanding performance. Among the twenty, there are US -based Coke Cola, Mc Donald, France-based companies like Carrefour,     

China Festival to Open in US in October

DBS and Deutsche Bank are to pur chase 10 billionshares in Guangdong Development Bank （GDB） at a price of RMB17.7 billion （US$2.18 billion）. But they will not take a controlling stake, according to a source near the top management of GDB.     

Heart in China,Goal in the World

Targeting the Middle East market, King Long developed the 12-meter large luxury buses for pilgrimage and received favorable praises.     

Heart in China, Goal in the World

Founded in December 1988, Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. is one of the joint ventures with the longest history in coach manufacturing industry. With the product policy of ＂full product category, high performance/cost ratio and fast development of new products＂, King Long has taken up a leading position among domestic coach manufacturers in the largest coach market in the world, as well as developed high technical contents passenger bus products one generation after another. In June 2004, with the brand value of RMB4.908 billion, ＂King Long Coach＂ was listed as one of China＇s 500 Most Valuable Brands released by World Brand Lab.     

How does a local initiative contribute to social inclusion and promote sustainable food practices? Focus on the example of social cooking workshops

Initiatives from food system players closer to citizens are currently valorized to promote sustainability. Based on TCR and on the practice theories, this research aims at studying the impacts of a local initiative on two aspects: social inclusion and sustainable food practices. To do so, we chose the example of cooking classes for people in social instability. Cooking classes may contribute to fight against social exclusion through two factors: first the group dynamic and then the value‐creation for participants. Besides, cooking classes may drive towards sustainable food practices on the basis of advice about new skills. Cooking classes in three different social service structures were observed: a Social Centre; a social service structure hosting young people suffering from homophobia; and, a hosting centre for people with disabilities. To complete these observations, semi‐directive one‐hour interviews were conducted with three participants from the different groups. This information was analyzed with thematic analysis and practice theories tools. Results show that the main factor of social inclusion is the value‐creation, with two factors contributing to people's self‐esteem: (re)teach them how to cook; and offer them the opportunity to cook and eat good food. The cooking classes are efficient to promote sustainable food practices, promoting at the same time the interest in shared‐eating, shared‐cooking, and new skills. Nevertheless, it is not enough for the people to adopt new practices because of material and logistical barriers. As such, our findings are important for policy makers tasked with promoting sustainable consumption and social insertion within vulnerable population.     

How to Invest in Infrastructure Construction Projects in China

ManyforeigninvestorswouldliketoinvestinChina'sinfrastructureconstructionprojects.Buttheydon'tknowhowtodoso.Thevice-presidentofanInternationalEngineeringDevelopmentCo.Ltd.basedinEurope,whohaslongbeenfamiliarwithChina'smarketsituation,hassomegoodadvice.ItoffersmoreflexibilityforbothpartieswhenajointventureorcooperatiVeenterpriseistobebuiltbyaforeigninvestorandaChinesepartnerParticularlysinceaChinesepartnerisinvolved,thecorporationmayhavemoreinformationaboutaprojecttobebuilt,soitcanmakeadeci…     

Invest in Egypt

Egypt, the old but modern country with more than 7,000 years' history of civilization in the world, now is opening itself to absorb more investments. Which fields shall we invest in? What kind of profits will we gain? Below is a general introduction to tell you how to invest in Egypt.     

Invest in Egypt

Egypt, the old but modem counby with more than 7,000 years‘ history of civilization in the world, now is opening itself to absorb more investments. Which fields shall we invest in?What kind of profits will we gain? Below is a general introduction to tell you howto invest in Egypt.     

Investing in Foshan

In recent 20 years, China has become the country with the fastest development in the world. With her great market potential and competitiveness, China also has been regarded as the hot spot for investment by global investors.Foreign investment in actual use has exceeded USD50 billion in the past two years, which has made China a country with most foreign investment in the world.