Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs United Nations 1987 it comprises of three dimensions environment social and economic To achieve sustainability both consumers and businesses also have to take up the responsibility Companies have to take up social responsibility by implementing sustainable business practices which refer to a set of activities and actions that decreases negative environmental impact by implementing practices that are environmentally and ecologically friendly and safe Cha Kim and Cichy 2018 1 At the same time consumers express their social and environmental concerns through ethical consumption It is defined as the conscious endeavour of the consumer to make their choices on the basis of their values or ethical principles Gulyas 2008 26 Some say that ethical consumption is a useful method to promote sustainable business practices however some argue the opposite stance In this essay sustainability refers to environmental aspects it argues that ethical consumption is effective to promote sustainable business practices to a certain degree The following examines both effectiveness and ineffectiveness of ethical consumption Then criticising arguments from both sides Finally conclusions are drawn on the determinants of ethical consumption and alternative methods to promote business consumption effectively Effectiveness of ethical consumption With the rise of ethical consumers the influence of ethical consumption is stronger
