• Journal of Families and Better Life
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.55-64
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• 2004

The major purpose of this study was to investigate purchasing behavior of environmental products by Korean consumers, which will ultimately help foster sustainable consumption. Environmental consciousness, environmental behaviors, level of awareness of environmental products, and purchasing of environmental products were examined. Mean differences between purchasers and non-purchasers of environmental products were compared in terms of environmental consciousness and behaviors, and the level of awareness of environmental products. A survey was conducted on 310 consumers in the greater Seoul metropolitan area. The data were analyzed by frequencies, percentages, logistic regression, and t-tests using a variable for interval scale and a variable for nominal scale. There were significant mean differences between purchasers and non-purchasers of environmental products on three variables of environmental consciousness and behaviors. Those who were educated on environmental issues showed a higher preference in purchasing environmental products. Among socio-demographic variables, the income level was the only variable that showed a significant mean difference between the two groups. Also, there was a remarkable difference in purchasing behavior between the two groups. For the purchasers of environmental products, the purchasing decisions took into account environment-friendliness of products. Non-purchasers of environmental products put more emphasis on price or quality of products. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that those who had higher education, who viewed environmental pollution as a serious problem, and who are more cognizant of the environmental labeling tend to purchase more environmental products.