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Consumer Power and Environmental Health
Joel Makower
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| Seminar Introduction |
 Consumer behavior is one of the major contributors to the earth's environmental problems, since the goods and services purchased every day in the developed world can be linked directly to chemical pollution, waste production and habitat destruction. But is there a way that consumers can help the planet rather than hurt it? In this seminar, a series of experts look at how technology and economic growth have impacted consumption, waste generation and energy use patterns over the last 50 years and how consumer purchasing decisions can affect these changes. From "dolphin-safe" canned tuna to renewable electricity, consumer behavior has created new markets for "green" goods. An increasing number of companies are responding to pressure from customers to become more eco-friendly, doing everything from reducing their energy usage to increasing recycling to eliminating harmful chemicals from their factories. This seminar explores the role consumers can play in improving environmental quality and what individuals can do to make a global difference. The experts offer advice, anecdotes and arguments about environmentally conscious decision-making in the twenty-first century. Green consumerism might be the wave of the future, but it will take an active and environmentally literate public to drive change.
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| Learning Objectives |
- List three things individual consumers can do to help improve environmental quality.
- Recognize the importance of environmental literacy in the movement towards green consumerism.
- Investigate the complex relationship between consumer interest and corporate behavior and learn how customers can change companies' actions.
- Name two companies that have changed their manufacturing processes to make them more ecologically friendly.
- Explore three current marketplace trends that are affecting consumer behavior and their impact on the environment and on commerce.
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| Sessions |
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| Credits |
Copyright 2001, RAND.
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| Technical Requirements |
To appreciate this seminar experience, it is critical that you have the appropriate software, plug-ins, and network connections. Please take the time to download the latest versions of the plug-ins mentioned below if you do not already have them.
Browser: Netscape versions 4.x up to 4.76, or Internet Explorer versions 4.x or later. Your browser must have JavaScript enabled and must be set to accept cookies.
Network Connection: The recommended minimum connection is 56K modem with throughput of 34Kbps or more. A faster connection is encouraged to take better advantage of the media elements in the seminar. Plug-ins: If you do not have RealPlayer and Flash Player already installed, please download them from the following sites:
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