Sustainable consumption and production versus consumer behaviour

Abstract

One of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Goal 12 refers to promoting the efficient use of energy and other resources, supporting sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, decent jobs, including those in the environmental sector, and a better quality of life. It covers three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. Particular importance is paid to reducing the consumption of resources and the scale of degradation and pollution. The aim of the article is to identify the behaviour of Polish consumers in the context of sustainable consumption and production. The success of these efforts largely depends on the actions of consumers and their commitment to being socially responsible in these three areas. Research from the Institute of Management at SGH Warsaw School of Economics, called the Socially Responsible Consumer Barometer, has been tracking changes in this area since 2021. The article presents the findings of the fourth edition of the survey indicating consumers’ awareness of the sustainable development goal related to sustainable consumption and production.