

@mastersthesis {6263,
	title = {Eco-labeling as a viable option to protect groundwater quality},
	year = {1999},
	note = {9948020},
	school = {University of Oregon},
	type = {phdPh.{D}.},
	address = {Ann Arbor},
	abstract = {Until recently, environmental ramifications of waste disposal practices were of little concern to most companies. Over the last three decades, however, public attitudes regarding pollution have changed dramatically and today, the waste disposal practices of companies is one consideration of consumers when making purchasing decisions. In response to these new consumer demands and changing government regulations, some businesses have adopted waste disposal methods that are more environmentally sound and are informing the public about using these methods, thus "eco-labeling" themselves. This research investigates eco-labeling as an incentive for the adoption of environmentally sound practices in the protection of groundwater quality. Both the demand for eco-labeling and the supply of eco-labeled goods is investigated using a consumer survey and a business survey. Adoption of environmentally friendly methods and practices by businesses usually involves additional costs. One question that this research addresses is whether consumers are willing to pay a premium for eco-labeled goods and what determines their willingness to pay for the premium. Over one-half of all respondents indicated that they would be willing to pay a premium for products and services that are eco-labeled. The results show that being young, obtaining an educational degree after high school and perceived poor local water quality are all significant in determining participation. In addition, the switching costs associated with changing the patronage of businesses to ones that supply eco-labeled goods is also investigated. The results indicate that brand loyalty is only significant for businesses with close, personal relationships with the customers. With consumers willing to pay a premium for eco-labeled goods, businesses may find it to their advantage to produce eco-labeled goods and, hopefully, increase profits. Thus, determining the factors that influence business decisions to participate in eco-labeling is another focus of this analysis. The willingness to participate is influenced most significantly by the cost of participation and perception by the business consumers{\textquoteright} demands for eco-labeled products. In addition, this research also found that participation was not limited to businesses that were already induced into compliance with current regulations by traditional punishment strategies.},
	keywords = {0501:Economics, 0505:Business costs, Business costs, Eco-labeling, economics, Environmentalism, Green consumerism, Groundwater, Social sciences, Switching costs},
	url = {http://search.proquest.com/docview/304517368?accountid=14270},
	author = {Hays, Sally Renee Easley}
}
