Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Consumption: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Consumer Behavior Literature

Abstract

This bibliometric review explores the evolving relationship between environmental awareness, sustainable consumption, and consumer behaviour over the past decade. The study uses bibliometric tools like VOS Viewer and Biblioshiny to analyse over 1,000 academic articles retrieved from Scopus, covering the period from 2015 to 2024. Key findings reveal a significant shift in research trends from individual eco-friendly purchasing intentions to broader systemic issues such as green economics, circular economies, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Notably, consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products, but barriers such as price sensitivity and the attitude-behavior gap persist. The research identifies key drivers of sustainable consumption, including consumer attitudes, eco-labelling, and the role of social media in shaping consumer preferences. The study also highlights research gaps, particularly in understanding the cultural and social factors influencing sustainable consumption, and the long-term impact of environmental policies. Practical implications suggest that businesses should integrate sustainability into their core strategies, enhance product transparency, and leverage social media to engage eco-conscious consumers. The review concludes by calling for further research on the influence of social norms, longitudinal studies on consumer behavior, and the role of emerging technologies in promoting sustainable consumption.