Individual-level consumption reduction: Literature review and research propositions

Abstract

This article reviews the literature on consumption reduction as one potential strategy for addressing environmental sustainability. Consumption reduction for environmental sustainability refers to individuals’ voluntary reduction in consumption across acquisition, usage, and disposal phases to benefit the environment. This paper provides an updated overview of the research in this area and introduces a new typology of consumption reduction, that distinguishes it from the more general sustainable consumption practices. It presents an integrated synthesis of the drivers and barriers to consumer engagement in consumption reduction. The review proposes research directions that could advance the current knowledge on consumption reduction research. The findings categorize consumption reduction into five distinct types: changeover, circular, strict, lifestyle-based, and preventive. The synthesis also identifies three primary drivers and barriers to consumer engagement in reduction practices: SELFish interests, environmental knowledge misconceptions, and sociocultural expectations. The review discusses theoretical and practical implications for researchers and policymakers and suggests strategies to more effectively engage consumers in consumption reduction, thus contributing to sustainable development goals.

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