11

SustainableSustainableConsumption:Consumption:concepts and casesconcepts and cases

FrancesFrances FahyFahy(Geography)(Geography)

&&

Henrike RauHenrike Rau(Political Science and Sociology)(Political Science and Sociology)

22

Key questions toKey questions toexploreexplore……....

Introduction/overviewIntroduction/overview DefinitionsDefinitions How do we define sustainable consumption?How do we define sustainable consumption?

What is the problem with consumption?What is the problem with consumption?

DiscussionDiscussion Key strandsKey strands AlternativesAlternatives

33

Concept mapping?Concept mapping?

Similar to brainstormingSimilar to brainstorming AA concept mapconcept map is a diagram showingis a diagram showing

the relationships among conceptsthe relationships among concepts Concept Map of the SeasonsConcept Map of the Seasons……(Novak(Novak

and Cannes, 2008)and Cannes, 2008)

44

55

66

5 minutes5 minutes

No prior formal knowledgeNo prior formal knowledge2 concept maps2 concept maps

77

88

SustainableSustainable……

2 basic forms2 basic forms

Absolute conditionAbsolute condition –– natural sciencenatural science

Sustainability is as a social constructionSustainability is as a social construction Sustainable anythingSustainable anything………………....

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Consumption..Consumption..

Household consumption is defined as theHousehold consumption is defined as theconsumption of goods and services byconsumption of goods and services byhouseholds including the selection,households including the selection,purchase, use, maintenance, repair andpurchase, use, maintenance, repair anddisposal of any product or servicedisposal of any product or service(OECD, 2002).(OECD, 2002). Contrasting approaches toContrasting approaches to

consumption....consumption....

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Human developmentHuman developmentperspectiveperspective Enlarges peopleEnlarges people’’s capacity to live long and tos capacity to live long and to

live welllive well Food, water, sanitation, medical care, clothing areFood, water, sanitation, medical care, clothing are

all necessary for leading along and healthy lifeall necessary for leading along and healthy life Schooling and access to information through theSchooling and access to information through the

media, booksmedia, books…… Transport and energyTransport and energy……

Means of participating in the life of aMeans of participating in the life of acommunitycommunity…… MaussMauss (1927) The Gift(1927) The Gift

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ConsumptionConsumption……

In sociology and anthropology studiesIn sociology and anthropology studies ––consumption activities are seen in theconsumption activities are seen in thecontext of social relations and institutionscontext of social relations and institutions

For economistsFor economists –– the focus is usually onthe focus is usually onconsumption of final goods and services.consumption of final goods and services.macro/micro luxury/necessitymacro/micro luxury/necessity

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For philosophers andFor philosophers andtheologianstheologians

concern with consumption relates to theconcern with consumption relates to thetension between values embodied intension between values embodied inmaterialism and those of simpler lifestylesmaterialism and those of simpler lifestyles

In IslamIn Islam…… ‘‘It is difficult for a man laden with riches toIt is difficult for a man laden with riches to

climb the steep path that leads to blissclimb the steep path that leads to bliss’’ ‘‘Riches are not from an abundance of worldlyRiches are not from an abundance of worldly

goods, but from a contented mindgoods, but from a contented mind’’

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In BuddhismIn Buddhism

‘‘By the thirst for riches, the foolish manBy the thirst for riches, the foolish mandestroys himself as if he were his own enemydestroys himself as if he were his own enemy’’

Finally from an Environmental ScienceFinally from an Environmental Scienceperspectiveperspective……

depleting natural capitaldepleting natural capital –– in addition what isin addition what isconsumed is ultimately disposed ofconsumed is ultimately disposed of –– creatingcreatingwaste and pollution problems.waste and pollution problems.

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Limits to GrowthLimits to Growth ……(Meadows(Meadowset al. 1972)et al. 1972)

Fundamentals in Environmental PlanningFundamentals in Environmental Planning

Limits to growthLimits to growth INCREASING POLLUTION & RAPIDINCREASING POLLUTION & RAPID

DEPLETION OF NATURAL RESOURCESDEPLETION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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The Water LilyThe Water Lily‘‘The lily doubles in size every day and if leftThe lily doubles in size every day and if left

unchecked will smother the pond in 30 days, killingunchecked will smother the pond in 30 days, killingall the other living things in the water. Day after dayall the other living things in the water. Day after daythe plant seems small and so it is decided to leave itthe plant seems small and so it is decided to leave itgrow until it halfgrow until it half--covers the pond, before cutting itcovers the pond, before cutting itback. They are then asked, on what day that willback. They are then asked, on what day that willoccuroccur..

This is revealed to bethe 29th day, and thenthere will be just oneday to save thepond’(adapted fromMeadows et al. 1972)

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Conclusions:Conclusions: Limits to GrowthLimits to GrowthMeadows et al. (1972:2324)Meadows et al. (1972:2324)

If the present growth trends in world population, industrializatIf the present growth trends in world population, industrialization,ion,food production and resource depletion continuefood production and resource depletion continueunchanged, the limits to growth on this planet will beunchanged, the limits to growth on this planet will bereached sometime within the next hundred years. The mostreached sometime within the next hundred years. The mostprobable result will be a rather sudden and uncontrollableprobable result will be a rather sudden and uncontrollabledecline in both population and industrial capacity.decline in both population and industrial capacity.

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Defining SustainableDefining SustainableConsumptionConsumption

Agenda 21Agenda 21 –– easier to define theeasier to define the‘‘unsustainabilityunsustainability’’ of patternsof patterns

Many diverse definitionsMany diverse definitions……

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SusSus ConsumptionConsumptionDefinitionsDefinitions…… Sustainable consumption has been defined as the use ofSustainable consumption has been defined as the use of

goods and services that respond to basic needs and bringgoods and services that respond to basic needs and bringa better quality of life, while minimising the use of naturala better quality of life, while minimising the use of naturalresources, toxic materials, and emissions of waste andresources, toxic materials, and emissions of waste andpollutants over the life cycle, so as not to jeopardise thepollutants over the life cycle, so as not to jeopardise theneeds of future generations (see Jackson, 2006).needs of future generations (see Jackson, 2006).

Sustainable consumption is not about consuming less, itSustainable consumption is not about consuming less, itabout consuming differently, consuming efficiently, andabout consuming differently, consuming efficiently, andhaving an improved quality of life (UNEP 1999).having an improved quality of life (UNEP 1999).

Sustainable consumption and production is continuousSustainable consumption and production is continuouseconomic and social progress that respects the limits ofeconomic and social progress that respects the limits ofthe earththe earth’’s ecos eco--systems, and meets the needs andsystems, and meets the needs andaspirations of everyone for a better quality of life, now andaspirations of everyone for a better quality of life, now andfor future generations to come (DTI 2003).for future generations to come (DTI 2003).

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Sustainable consumption is consumption that supportsSustainable consumption is consumption that supportsthe ability that supports the ability of current and futurethe ability that supports the ability of current and futuregenerations to meet their material and other needs,generations to meet their material and other needs,without causing irreversible damage to the environmentwithout causing irreversible damage to the environmentor loss of function in natural systems (OCSC 2000).or loss of function in natural systems (OCSC 2000).

The special focus of sustainable consumption is on theThe special focus of sustainable consumption is on theeconomic activity of choosing using and disposing ofeconomic activity of choosing using and disposing ofgoods and services and how this can be changed togoods and services and how this can be changed tobring social and environmental benefit (IIED 1998).bring social and environmental benefit (IIED 1998).

Sustainable consumption is a balancing act. It is aboutSustainable consumption is a balancing act. It is aboutconsuming in such a way as to protect the environment,consuming in such a way as to protect the environment,use natural resources wisely and promote quality of lifeuse natural resources wisely and promote quality of lifenow, while not spoiling the lives of future consumersnow, while not spoiling the lives of future consumers(NCC, 2003).(NCC, 2003).

2020

Sustainable consumption is an umbrella termSustainable consumption is an umbrella termthat brings together a number of key issues,that brings together a number of key issues,such as meeting needs, enhancing quality ofsuch as meeting needs, enhancing quality oflife, improving efficiency, minimizing waste,life, improving efficiency, minimizing waste,taking a lifecycle perspective and taking intotaking a lifecycle perspective and taking intoaccount the equity dimension; integratingaccount the equity dimension; integratingthese component parts in the central questionthese component parts in the central questionof how to provide the same or better servicesof how to provide the same or better servicesto meet the basic requirements of life and theto meet the basic requirements of life and theaspiration for improvement, both current andaspiration for improvement, both current andfuture generations, while continually reducingfuture generations, while continually reducingenvironmental damage and the risk to humanenvironmental damage and the risk to humanhealth (UNEP, 2001).health (UNEP, 2001).

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All these definitionsAll these definitions……

Each take a different position onEach take a different position on ……the extent to which sustainablethe extent to which sustainable

consumption involves changes in consumerconsumption involves changes in consumerbehaviour and lifestyles.behaviour and lifestyles. ……the extent to which the differing positionsthe extent to which the differing positions

imply consuming more efficiently,imply consuming more efficiently,consuming more responsibly or simplyconsuming more responsibly or simplyconsuming less.consuming less.

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In summaryIn summary……

Sustainable consumption works from theSustainable consumption works from therecognition thatrecognition that the earths resources are limitedthe earths resources are limited environmental damage is directly and indirectlyenvironmental damage is directly and indirectly

linked to the exploitation of these resourceslinked to the exploitation of these resources that consumer power and choice can be utilised tothat consumer power and choice can be utilised to

produce positive environmental change (Goodmanproduce positive environmental change (Goodman2008).2008).

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Other termsOther terms……

Green consumptionGreen consumption Ethical consumptionEthical consumption –– (moral(moral

responsibility and care)responsibility and care) SSustainableustainable consumption (social justice)consumption (social justice)

Demand leading supply?Demand leading supply? Last 10 yrsLast 10 yrs……powerful movementpowerful movement……

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The Silent Spring (Carson,The Silent Spring (Carson,1963)1963) ““There was a strange stillness. The birds forThere was a strange stillness. The birds for

exampleexample –– where had they gone? Many peoplewhere had they gone? Many peoplespoke of them, puzzled and disturbed. Thespoke of them, puzzled and disturbed. Thefeeding stations in the backyards werefeeding stations in the backyards weredeserted. The few birds seen anywhere weredeserted. The few birds seen anywhere weremoribund; they trembled violently and could notmoribund; they trembled violently and could notfly. It was a spring without voicesfly. It was a spring without voices……

On the farms the hens brooded, but no chicksOn the farms the hens brooded, but no chickshatchedhatched…”…”

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So whatSo what’’s the problem withs the problem withconsumption?consumption? Consumer goods and services play a hugeConsumer goods and services play a huge

variety of roles in our livesvariety of roles in our lives –– including the satisfaction of functional needs,including the satisfaction of functional needs, the construction of identity, andthe construction of identity, and the pursuit of status and social distinction.the pursuit of status and social distinction.The diversity of roles has lead many commentators toThe diversity of roles has lead many commentators to

refer to the modern consumer asrefer to the modern consumer as ‘‘unmanageableunmanageable’’((GabrailGabrail and Lang 1995).and Lang 1995).

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DiscussionDiscussionStrands that dominate the current SCStrands that dominate the current SC

discoursediscourse Economic Frame: Calls to consume moreEconomic Frame: Calls to consume more

responsibly etc still operate within the currentresponsibly etc still operate within the currentconfines of the economyconfines of the economy

Structure/Agency debate e.g. eco labelsStructure/Agency debate e.g. eco labels ––onus on individual consumer reluctance toonus on individual consumer reluctance totackle the wider structurestackle the wider structures

North/SouthNorth/South

Materiality aspectMateriality aspect

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Transport, MobilityTransport, Mobilityand theand the

SustainableSustainable ‘‘Consumption ofConsumption ofDistanceDistance’’

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Key questionsKey questions

1)1) What connections exist between spatialWhat connections exist between spatialmobility and sustainable consumption?mobility and sustainable consumption?

2)2) What can we learn from the experience ofWhat can we learn from the experience ofcar dependency in Ireland?car dependency in Ireland?

3)3) Why is it so difficult toWhy is it so difficult to changechangeunsustainable mobility patterns?unsustainable mobility patterns?

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IntroductionIntroduction

Physical mobilityPhysical mobility –– integral part ofintegral part ofconsumption of goods and servicesconsumption of goods and services GlobalGlobal flowsflows of people, money andof people, money and

goods can both help and hindergoods can both help and hindersustainability effortssustainability efforts SustainableSustainable ‘‘consumption of distanceconsumption of distance’’

requires integration of economic,requires integration of economic,environmental and social/cultural factorsenvironmental and social/cultural factors

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It is increasingly evident that modernIt is increasingly evident that modernlifestyles in affluent societies, and thelifestyles in affluent societies, and themobility behaviours associated with suchmobility behaviours associated with suchlifestyles, are not compatible withlifestyles, are not compatible withsustainable outcomes. Such outcomessustainable outcomes. Such outcomesinclude an acceptable level ofinclude an acceptable level ofenvironmental quality, efficient use ofenvironmental quality, efficient use ofhuman, natural, and financial resources,human, natural, and financial resources,social cohesion and just distributions ofsocial cohesion and just distributions ofopportunities and costs of using transportopportunities and costs of using transportand other public infrastructure [and other public infrastructure [……]]((DonaghyDonaghy,, PoppelreuterPoppelreuter andand RudingerRudinger 2005, p.1)2005, p.1)

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Economic factorsEconomic factors

Mobility and economic performanceMobility and economic performance Cost of providing transport infrastructureCost of providing transport infrastructure ExternalitiesExternalities Productivity loss, time pressure and stressProductivity loss, time pressure and stress--

related health problemsrelated health problems……

MobilityMobility –– luxury or necessity?luxury or necessity?

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Environmental factorsEnvironmental factors

GHG emissionsGHG emissions Local noise and air pollutionLocal noise and air pollution Fragmentation of habitatsFragmentation of habitats Fossil fuel extraction and useFossil fuel extraction and use

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Social/cultural factorsSocial/cultural factors

Social and cultural factors key to sustainableSocial and cultural factors key to sustainabletransporttransport

e.g. public attitudes to modes of transport; acceptance of newe.g. public attitudes to modes of transport; acceptance of newtransport technologies; perceptions of risk; mobility,transport technologies; perceptions of risk; mobility,accessibility and social in/exclusionaccessibility and social in/exclusion

remain largely unexplored in Ireland (andremain largely unexplored in Ireland (andelsewhere)elsewhere)

e.g. lack of data; focus on Dublin; case studies; low priority ie.g. lack of data; focus on Dublin; case studies; low priority innpolicy processpolicy process

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Increased car use Dispersal of residentialareas

Reduced public transportuse, increased car use

Further dispersal ofresidential areas

Lack of car Inaccessible jobs/facilitiesLimited chances

Area based socialexclusion

Reinforces local lifestyle –Limited PT use

Figure 1: Car dependency and social exclusion (adapted from Pickup and Giuliano 2005, p.41)

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Social consequences ofSocial consequences of‛‛overover--consumption of distanceconsumption of distance’’

TheThe ‘‘fall offall of publicpublic manman‘‘ ((SennettSennett 1977)1977) DeclineDecline inin social capitalsocial capital (Putnam 2000)(Putnam 2000) Decline ofDecline of thethe nationnation--statestate ((UrryUrry 2007)2007)

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IrelandIreland’’ss CarCar CultureCultureFactsFacts andand FiguresFigures

Ireland oneIreland one ofof the most carthe most car--dependentdependentcountriescountries inin thethe EUEU

BelowBelow EUEU--average car ownership butaverage car ownership but highhigh car usecar use UnderUnder--developed public transport sectordeveloped public transport sector Low levelsLow levels ofof walkingwalking andand cyclingcycling

TransportTransport sector third largest contributorsector third largest contributorto national GHGto national GHG emissionsemissions (20% in 2006)(20% in 2006)

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Population density byelectoral divisions, 2006

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IrelandIreland‘‘s GHGs GHG emissionsemissions19901990--20202020

Source: EPA report, September 2008.

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IrelandIreland‘‘s GHGs GHG emissions byemissions bysectorsector

Source: EPA report, September 2008.

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EPAEPA predictionspredictions forfor COCO22emissions from transportemissions from transportsectorsector 20062006--20202020

BaselineBaseline scenarioscenario: +23%: +23% With measuresWith measures scenarioscenario: +22%: +22% WithWith additionaladditional measuresmeasures scenarioscenario: +12%: +12%

Forecast dependsForecast depends onon three setsthree sets ofof keykey variables:variables: Economic indicatorsEconomic indicators (GDP)(GDP) VehicleVehicle technologytechnology FutureFuture travel behaviourtravel behaviour ofof individualsindividuals

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The need to curb the massive growth in energyThe need to curb the massive growth in energyconsumption and associated emissions of CO2 andconsumption and associated emissions of CO2 andNOx from road traffic is a daunting challenge at theNOx from road traffic is a daunting challenge at thepresent time. The problem is exacerbated by thepresent time. The problem is exacerbated by theincompatibility between public transport services andincompatibility between public transport services andthe scale of housing development throughout thethe scale of housing development throughout thecountry. This challenge can only be met by breaking thecountry. This challenge can only be met by breaking thelink between the growth in road transport and growth inlink between the growth in road transport and growth inthe economy, which requires a radical shift to bus, railthe economy, which requires a radical shift to bus, railand cycle use. The State cannot expect to comply withand cycle use. The State cannot expect to comply withits emissions ceilings for [its emissions ceilings for [……] GHGs if their contributions] GHGs if their contributionsfrom road traffic are not soon brought under controlfrom road traffic are not soon brought under control(EPA Ireland, 2004).(EPA Ireland, 2004).

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Policy backgroundPolicy background

ResponsibilityResponsibility forfor transporttransport policypolicy andandimplementationimplementation with central governmentwith central government andandstate agenciesstate agencies

PersistencePersistence ofof ‘‘ppredictredict andand provideprovide’’ paradigmparadigm Transport 21Transport 21 €€34bn34bn capital investment frameworkcapital investment framework 20062006--20152015 KeyKey prioritiespriorities

a)a) road constructionroad construction b)b) largelarge--scale infrastructurescale infrastructure in Dublinin Dublin

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Transport 21Transport 21 –– AnnualAnnualexpenditureexpenditure

4.714.71TOTALTOTAL0.0040.004RegionalRegional airportsairports0.990.99PTPT3.723.72RoadsRoads

ExpenditureExpenditure p.a. (p.a. (bnbn €€))SECTORSECTOR

Source: http://www.transport21.ie/What_Is_Transport_21/Funding/Funding.html (accessed 28/08/2008)

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IrelandIreland’’ss CarCar CultureCulture::The HegemonyThe Hegemony ofof AutomobilityAutomobility

‘‘This isThis is anan economy that is workingeconomy that is working and aand a countrycountrythat isthat is atat workwork.. With over two millionWith over two million people inpeople inemploymentemployment,, moremore andand moremore peoplepeople areare onon thethemovemove.. With IrelandWith Ireland’’s increased prosperitys increased prosperity,, carcarusageusage hashas risen exponentiallyrisen exponentially. [. [……]] the car playsthe car plays aacrucial rolecrucial role inin ourour societysociety with nearlywith nearly half of allhalf of allhouseholds owning two or more carshouseholds owning two or more cars and aand a thirdthirdwith three cars or morewith three cars or more’’

(An(An TaoiseachTaoiseach/Prime/Prime ministerminister ofof IrelandIreland BertieBertie AhernAhern,, ForewordForeword totoHibernianHibernian MotoringMotoring Report 2007, p.2,Report 2007, p.2, italicsitalics addedadded).).

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CarCar ownership ratesownership rates

Source: CSO Statistical Yearbook 2007, p. 276.

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IrelandIreland’’ss CarCar CultureCulture::WinnersWinners andand LosersLosers??

LinksLinks between walkabilitybetween walkability ofof neighbourhoodsneighbourhoods,, socialsocialcapitalcapital andand healthhealth ((LeydenLeyden 2003)2003)

Significant differences between socioSignificant differences between socio--economic groupseconomic groups((WickhamWickham andand LohanLohan 1999;1999; WickhamWickham 2006)2006)

Groups most affected by mobility disadvantage includeGroups most affected by mobility disadvantage include:: Low income householdsLow income households PeoplePeople parenting aloneparenting alone ChildrenChildren andand youngyoung peoplepeople Rural populationsRural populations ((espesp.. elderlyelderly)) PeoplePeople with disabilitieswith disabilities ……

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CarCar OwnershipOwnership andand SocioSocio--economiceconomicGroup (IRL)Group (IRL)

80.380.3TOTALTOTAL54.554.5AllAll others gainfully occupied or unknownothers gainfully occupied or unknown

76.776.7Agricultural workersAgricultural workers

90.190.1FarmersFarmers

94.794.7Own account workersOwn account workers

66.166.1UnskilledUnskilled

78.578.5SemiSemi--skilledskilled86.586.5ManualManual skilledskilled

80.280.2NonNon--manualmanual

89.789.7Lower professionalLower professional

9393Higher professionalHigher professional

93.993.9EmployersEmployers andand managersmanagers

%%SEGSEG

Source: CSO (2007) Census 2006 report, Vol. 12, Table 82, SEG of reference person and motor car availability

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As a partAs a part--time student who also works andtime student who also works andlooks after a baby I cannot afford to spentlooks after a baby I cannot afford to spentlong periods of time waiting at bus stops orlong periods of time waiting at bus stops orwalking for 40 mins each way. I would bewalking for 40 mins each way. I would behappy to pay on an hourly basis or avail ofhappy to pay on an hourly basis or avail ofa park and ride facility if they were availablea park and ride facility if they were available[[……].].

(NUIG Transport Survey 2004, female student, No.39).(NUIG Transport Survey 2004, female student, No.39).

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Policy initiativesPolicy initiatives

Fiscal measuresFiscal measures:: CongestionCongestion charge forcharge for Dublin (planned)Dublin (planned) ChangesChanges inin motormotor tax (Phase I intax (Phase I in JulyJuly 2008)2008)

PolicyPolicy initiatives:initiatives: Rural TransportationRural Transportation Programme (2006Programme (2006--presentpresent)) Reform ofReform of bus licensingbus licensing system (system (inclincl.. privatisationprivatisation

–– in progress)in progress) DoT SustainableDoT Sustainable transport policytransport policy documentdocument

(2009)(2009)

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BarriersBarriersto sustainable transport andto sustainable transport andmobilitymobility Legacy issuesLegacy issues

e.g.e.g. ‘‘predictpredict--andand--provideprovide’’ mindsetmindset

Lack of investment in alternativesLack of investment in alternatives Inadequate policy measures & lack of policy integrationInadequate policy measures & lack of policy integration Effects of technological progressEffects of technological progress Social and cultural barriersSocial and cultural barriers

......

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RecommendedRecommended ReadingReading BBööhmhm, S., C. Jones, C. Land and M. Paterson (2006)., S., C. Jones, C. Land and M. Paterson (2006). ‘‘Introduction: Impossibilities ofIntroduction: Impossibilities of AutomobilityAutomobility’’, The, The

Sociological Review, 54 (1): 1Sociological Review, 54 (1): 1--16.16. CresswellCresswell, T. (2005). On the Move: Mobility in the Modern Western World., T. (2005). On the Move: Mobility in the Modern Western World. EPA (2008). IrelandEPA (2008). Ireland’’s National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections to 2020.s National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections to 2020. Dublin: EPA Ireland.Dublin: EPA Ireland.

Available from:Available from:http://www.epa.ie/downloads/pubs/air/airemissions/projections_puhttp://www.epa.ie/downloads/pubs/air/airemissions/projections_publication%20september%202008%20blication%20september%202008%20pdf%20(2)2.pdfpdf%20(2)2.pdf (accessed 1/11/2008).(accessed 1/11/2008).

Flynn, Brendan. 2007. The Blame Game: Rethinking IrelandFlynn, Brendan. 2007. The Blame Game: Rethinking Ireland’’s Sustainable Development ands Sustainable Development andEnvironmental Performance. Dublin: Irish Academic Press.Environmental Performance. Dublin: Irish Academic Press.

FlyvbjergFlyvbjerg, Bent. 1998. Rationality and Power: Democracy in Practice. Chic, Bent. 1998. Rationality and Power: Democracy in Practice. Chicago/London: University ofago/London: University ofChicago Press.Chicago Press.

HineHine, J. and F. Mitchell (2003). Transport Disadvantage and Social, J. and F. Mitchell (2003). Transport Disadvantage and Social ExlusionExlusion.. Aldershot: Ashgate.Aldershot: Ashgate. McDonald, F. and J. Nix (2005). Chaos at the Crossroads. Dublin:McDonald, F. and J. Nix (2005). Chaos at the Crossroads. Dublin: GandonGandon.. Ray, L. J. (2002). Crossing Borders? Sociology, Globalization anRay, L. J. (2002). Crossing Borders? Sociology, Globalization and Immobility.d Immobility. Sociological ResearchSociological Research

Online, 7 (3).Online, 7 (3). UrryUrry, J. (2000). Sociology Beyond Societies. London:, J. (2000). Sociology Beyond Societies. London: RoutledgeRoutledge.. UrryUrry, J. (2004), J. (2004) ‘‘TheThe ‘‘SystemSystem‘‘ ofof AutomobilityAutomobility‘‘, Theory, Culture and Society, 21 (4/5): 25, Theory, Culture and Society, 21 (4/5): 25––39.39. UrryUrry, J. (2007)., J. (2007). MobilitiesMobilities. Cambridge: Polity.. Cambridge: Polity. WickhamWickham, J. (2006). Gridlock: Dublin, J. (2006). Gridlock: Dublin’’s Transport Crisis and the Future of the City. Dublin:s Transport Crisis and the Future of the City. Dublin: TascTasc inin

association with New Island.association with New Island.

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What are the main barriers to achievingWhat are the main barriers to achievingsustainable consumption?sustainable consumption?

How do they relate to the economic and socioHow do they relate to the economic and socio--cultural functions of consumption in moderncultural functions of consumption in modernsociety?society?