How internet trading benefits the environment

Duration: 01.03.2008 - 31.08.2010

From Consumer to Prosumer - Development of New Trading and Auction Cultures to Promote Sustainable Consumption

Background
Internet auction and trading portals have had a profound impact on consumer behaviour in recent years. One change they have brought about is the resale of products: Consumers buy products, use them for a while and then resell them. As a result consumers are consequently no longer just consumers. They are also taking on the role of producers and thus becoming 'prosumers'. This opens up avenues for consumption that is more sustainable because marketing used goods extends the life and use of products and additionally avoids pollution arising from frequent new purchases. However, packaging, transport and electronic trade also generate pollution.

Project aims
This project will examine internet trade in depth - covering areas such as buying and selling behaviour, user motivation and the effects that online trade has on the environment - and develop in collaboration with an international online auction enterprise innovative strategies that could help reduce this pollution.

Co-ordination
Siegfried Behrendt
Institute for Future Studies and Technology Assessment (IZT)
Schopenhauerstr. 26
14129 Berlin, GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0) 30 8030 8810
E-mail: s.behrendt(at)izt.de

Research partners
Borderstep Institute for Innovation and Sustainability: Dr Jens Clausen
Frankfurt University: Professor Dr Birgit Blättel-Mink

Field partner
eBay International AG

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