Dynamics of environmental consciousness and green purchase behaviour: an empirical study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between environmental consciousness (ECO), green purchase attitude (GPA), green purchase intention (GPI), perceived customer effectiveness (PCE), green behaviour (GRB) and green purchase behaviour (GPB). Based on the statistical analyses, this paper offers some further research directions to advance the extant literature. Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical model is ﬁ rmly grounded in extant literature. To test the study hypotheses, the authors have developed a survey instrument following a two-stage process. The constructs were ﬁ rst operationalized by the authors and then pre-tested by experts. Dillman ’ s (2007) guidelines were then followed to gather data. Finally, the theoretical model was tested using multivariate statistical tools. Findings – Results indicate that ECO has an in ﬂ uence on GPA and PCE; GPA has an in ﬂ uence on PCE and GRB; GPI has an in ﬂ uence on PCE; and GRB has an in ﬂ uence on GPB. Environmental bene ﬁ t still ranks at the sixth position among eight product-selection criteria, as is evident from qualitative in-depth interviews indicating a primarily rationalistic and not an altruistic purchase approach. The gap in translation of ECO into GB and GPB can be attributed to costliness, non-availability with less variety, lack of brand reputation of green products and budget constraints for customers.


Introduction
Environmental protection is a pressing concern for the entire globe. There is a rich body of literature on low-carbon emission (Bord et al., 2000;Renukappa et al., 2013;Jones, 2014;Li and Lin, 2016;Du et al., 2016), green manufacturing (Montalvo, 2008;Deif, 2011;Bhattacharya et al., 2015), sustainability strategies (Law and Gunasekaran, 2012; Mangla et al., 2013;Harik et al., 2015), responsible manufacturing (Bazan et al., 2017), environment management (Massoud et al., 2010;Zhang et al., 2009), responsible purchasing (Mont and Leire, 2009;Winter and Lasch, 2016), environment-friendly technology (Luken et al., 2008;Gutowski et al., 2005), product recovery (Kapetanopoulou and Tagaras, 2011), etc. Ultimately, the aim of all these studies is related to the central theme of protecting the environment and building environmental consciousness (ECO). The research on ECO has gained significant attention of scholars owing to improved awareness among consumers about environmental issues (Kalafatis et al., 1999;Gleim and Lawson, 2014;Sinha and Anand, 2017). Wu and Chen (2013) argue that the stakeholders involved in promoting ECO are as follows: the government, the organizations offering goods and services and the consumers of these goods and services. The government has the role of creating awareness throughout the nation about the ill effects of goods that are harmful to the environment, the manufacturers have the responsibility towards preserving and improving the environment by manufacturing greener products and the consumers have the responsibility of protecting the environment by saying no to the goods that are harmful to the environment. Along with the top-down approach where the government drives sustainability efforts, equally important is the bottom-up responsiveness of customers and manufacturers to these green initiatives (Hsu and Lin, 2015). Researchers are also exploring the green gap (ECO and green behaviour [GRB]) with increased research on factors explaining this phenomenon (Mahoney, 2011 in Gleim andLawson, 2014). Despite increasing literature focusing on ECO, GRB and green purchase behaviour (GPB), theory-focused research that attempts to examine the linkages between ECO, GRB and GPB is still underdeveloped. Hence, by testing a theoretical framework (see Figure 1), we further our understanding related to ECO and its influence on GRB and GPB. In previous studies, scholars have found that higher ECO leads to higher perceived customer effectiveness (PCE; Tan, 2011;Joonas, 2008;Ozmete, 2007), which is in turn a predictor of GPB (Lee, 2009;Chan, 2001). Green purchase attitude (GPA; Klaus et al., 2014;Thøgersen and Zhou, 2010;Tung et al., 2012) is also remarked as a significant mediator between ECO and GPB. Another group of researchers focused on green purchase intention (GPI; Punyatoya, 2015;Limbu et al., 2012;Leonidou et al., 2011) as a key mediator between ECO and GPB. However, significant numbers of researchers agree that PCE, GPA and GPI have a significant influence on GRB (Khare, 2015;Roy, 2013;Singh and Pandey, 2012;Steg and Vlek, 2009), which leads to GPB.
The rest of the paper is organized as follows. In the next section, we develop our theoretical framework and further outline the constructs. In subsequent sections, we develop a hypothesized model and our research hypotheses, describe the construct operationalization and data collection method and present the data analysis procedure and the results of the model testing. This paper finally concludes with a discussion about our findings and directions for future research.

Theoretical framing
With progress of efforts over half a century, the theoretical foundation of consumer attitude and behaviour studies from the field of social psychological research has an origin in the consumer value expectancy behaviour model, which was then further developed to the Dynamics of environmental consciousness theory of reasoned action (TRA) and finally to the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) (Rosenberg, 1956;Fishbein, 1963;Ajzen and Fishbein, 1980;Ajzen, 1985cited in Kalafatis et al., 1999. Several critical reviews and meta-analyses have been carried out based on these multi-attribute models and have since long dominated the efforts to predict social behaviours. The approaches have enjoyed a lot of popularity in consumer research, be it product purchase, store selection, social consumption or waste-recycling behaviour (Davies et al., 2002). Critique by Davies et al. (2002) brings out important pointsspecific attitude determines specific behaviour, theories do not account for non-attitudinal personal and situational factors and degree of formation of intention mediates attitude-behaviour relationship. Pro-environmental behaviours, whether GRB or GPB, can be explained with the help of Schwartz's altruistic behaviour model, having an origin in derived shared social norms, which are also called as personally adopted social norms. The distinguishing characteristic of shared social norms is that the consequence of upholding or violating these norms is linked with one's self-concept, which makes altruism logical, although products are costlier than counterparts (Schwartz, 1970 as cited in Davies et al., 2002). Thus, though TRA does not contain a theory for relative importance of attitudinal and social norms, Schwartz's model does.
2.1 Environmental consciousness ECO refers to psychological factors that determine individuals' propensity towards proenvironmental behaviours (Zelezny and Schultz, 2000). With its origin in the 60s in the West, ECO was evident among individuals of a group who refrained from purchasing certain goods because of their environmentally hazardous by-products (Grunert and Juhl, 1995). This attitude took root over a period and consumers became sensitive to the extent of refraining from purchasing environmentally harmful products. This influenced firms to commit to production of green products (Pudaruth et al., 2015;Sharma and Bansal, 2013;Huang and Kung, 2011;Connell, 2011;Buysse and Verbeke, 2003). ECO is a multidimensional construct known to influence a person's knowledge, attitude, behaviour, intentions and actions. Researchers have studied the affective dimension (Singh and Gupta,   Dunlap et al., 2002;van Liere and Dunlap 1981) as well as the dispositional and cognitive dimensions of ECO (Matthew, 2013;Singh and Gupta, 2013). This study chooses to focus on the affective dimension.

Green purchase attitude
An important mediator between ECO and GPB, GPA is the result of likes and dislikes of customers and has a bearing on the willingness of the customer to buy a product with due consideration to environmental protection (Chyong et al., 2006;Tanner and Kast, 2003). The theory dealing with attitude suggests that it is built through social interaction. GPA has been found to be the resultant blend of ECO, knowledge and social norms (Klaus et al., 2014) with foundation in the long-standing value-attitude-behaviour theory (Shim, et al., 1999;Homer and Kahle, 1988). GPA links to personal values, viz., collectivism, and these links have been well proven empirically (Thøgersen and Zhou, 2010;Aertsens et al., 2009;Krystallis et al., 2008;Brunsø et al., 2004;Chan, 2001), eventually leading to GPB. Studies mainly explore the Western context; thus, many researchers have expressed the need to extend these studies to the remaining parts of the world to get a better understanding of the concept (Tung et al., 2012;Chen, 2007;Chan and Lau, 2002).

Green purchase intention
TRA postulates that an individual's attitude generally influences the behaviour of a person (Limbu et al., 2012;Leonidou et al., 2011;Jin and Suh, 2005;Ajzen and Fishbein, 1980), but it is mediated by intention. Thus, a person's favourable attitude towards a brand triggers purchase intention, mediating positive intention results in purchase of a product or service, whereas negative intention reduces the chances of purchase (Punyatoya, 2015). Consumers today are better aware of environmental issues because of environment-friendly strategies of government-nominated regulatory bodies (Jain and Kaur, 2004) and media-triggered awareness about environmental hazards, thinning of the ozone layer, global warming, acid rains, etc. (Leonidou et al., 2011). Social influences on going green are stronger round the globe (Cheah and Phau, 2011), resulting into increased inclination towards green products and rising green consumerism (Peattie, 2001).

Perceived customer effectiveness
Kinnear et al. (1974) define PCE as a measurement of the belief of people that their green actions will result into environmental protection. As the research progressed, locus of control (LOC) was attached to PCE, defining how people think about controlling events affecting them (Rotter, 1966). If the LOC is external, the person is influenced by the acquaintances, and if the LOC is internal, the person is not affected by his/her acquaintances (Joonas, 2008;Ozmete, 2007). PCE has been used as a personal characteristic indicative of the environmental concern of an individual by some researchers (Kim and Choi, 2005;Balderjahn, 1988;Kinnear et al., 1974). Research has shown that higher PCE would mean higher ECO (Tan, 2011). Individual or collective orientation of people also influences PCE (Kim and Choi, 2005;Grimm, et al., 1999). Two different schools of thought emerge: the first claims that PCE is an important predictor of behaviour (Berger and Corbin, 1992;Kinnear et al., 1974), whereas the second claims that PCE can moderate the relationship between attitude and behaviour (Tan, 2011;Laskova, 2007;Berger and Corbin, 1992;Webster, 1975).
Research has also indicated that PCE is based on knowledge and shows direct and indirect influences (Kim and Choi, 2005).

Dynamics of environmental consciousness
2.5 Green behaviour GRB, also referred to as pro-environmental behaviour, means a set of behaviours that minimizes harm to the environment through minimizing use of energy, reducing waste, conserving water, refraining from buying goods perceived to be hazardous to the environment, etc., holding true equally in the case of developed and developing countries (Steg and Vlek, 2009;Kollmuss and Agyeman, 2002). A number of factors contribute to an increase in GRB: general awareness about ecological and sustainability issues, heightened ECO and mainly the availability of green alternatives (Khare, 2015).

Hypothesized model
Various measures of pro-environmentalism such as eco-consciousness, environmental attitude, PCE, GPA and GPI have been found to be strongly associated, except in a few studies which differ with regard to GPI. Eco-consciousness is seen to translate well into behaviour and is positively correlated with attitude and PCE (Jain and Kaur, 2004;Allen and Ferrand, 1999;Bratt, 1999;Shrum et al., 1995;Ellen, 1994;Gamba and Oskamp, 1994;Ellen et al., 1991). PCE is further seen to be positively correlated with attitude and behaviour (Majláth, 2010;Minton and Rose, 1997;Roberts, 1996;Berger and Corbin, 1992;Ellen et al., 1991). Attitude, intention and behaviour studies related to environment range from energy conservation (Paladino and Baggiere, 2008), to recycling (McCarty and Shrum, 1994), to environmental activism (Kilbourne and Pickett, 2008). Though exhaustively researched, all these measures have been criticized as being complex and difficult to measure and implement (Kilbourne and Pickett, 2008;Chan, 2001;Balderjahn, 1988).
While TPB plays an important role in understanding GPB, many researchers have accounted that GPB is greatly influenced by personal norms too (Moser, 2015;Ha and Janda, 2012;Thøgersen and Ölander, 2006). Moser (2015) through his study obtained a surprising outcome that GPA did not influence GPB, and instead, willingness to pay was a stronger predictor of GPB. All these studies indicate that there is immense scope to further explore the determinants of GPB in an Indian setting. One of the explanations suggests that customers' willingness to buy green products particularly may be dampened by the cost, poor quality and non-availability of green products, resulting into purchase of non-green products (Roy, 2013;Singh and Pandey, 2012). Again, there is a need to research further to seek empirical evidence. Following previous arguments, we propose a theoretical framework as shown in Figure 1.
We have drawn testable hypotheses from Figure 1 as: H1. Environmental consciousness of customers has a positive influence on green purchase attitude.
H2 Environmental consciousness of customers has a positive influence on perceived customer effectiveness.
H3. Environmental consciousness of customers has a positive influence on green purchase intention.
H4. Green purchase attitude of customers has a positive influence on perceived customer effectiveness.
H5. Green purchase intention of customers has a positive influence on perceived customer effectiveness.
H6. Green purchase attitude of customers has positive influence on green behaviour.
H7. Green purchase attitude of customers has a positive influence on green purchase behaviour.
H8. Perceived customer effectiveness of customers has a positive influence on green behaviour.
H9. Perceived customer effectiveness of customers has a positive influence on green purchase behaviour.
H10. Green purchase intention of customers has a positive influence on green behaviour.
H11. Green purchase intention of customers has a positive influence on green purchase behaviour.
H12. Green behaviour of customers has a positive influence on green purchase behaviour.

Construct operationalization
We used the survey method to test our theoretical model. A survey instrument was developed by identifying suitable measurements from a comprehensive literature review. Some modifications were made to the existing scale to make those more suitable in context to our study. All constructs are operationalized as reflective constructs, as discussed next in Table I.

Sampling design and data collection
The strong foundation of the current research is a two-stage random sampling method inspired from a census study in India. The first stage was random selection of blocks with, on average, 100 households for one of the 20 geo-clusters of Nashik, Maharashtra, India, followed by schedule listing using the north-west rule. The schedule included the basic sociodemographic information and two questions asking respondents if they thought environmental degradation was a problem and about awareness of green products. The second stage of sampling included randomly drawing 25 households from each schedule listed block, proportionately representing each stratum, with the help of random number tables. Personal interview method was an obvious choice considering the length of Dynamics of environmental consciousness the questionnaire and criticality of making observations whenever possible as a cross-check of responses given by respondents. However, missing final directive on deciding the lower bound for sample size in structural equation modelling (SEM) to date being a non-linear function, some researches attempt to guide the fixation of lower bounds (Westland, 2010). Thumb rule proposed by Nunnally (1967cited in Westland, 2010) guides most of the research studies in SEM, suggesting a sample size at least ten times the number of variables be used. However, most of the researchers claim that a sample size above 200 should be adequate for SEM analysis for number of indicators in the range of 15 to 20 (Punyatoya, 2015;Rahbar and Wahid, 2011); thus, the sample size chosen in this research, 500, is adequate enough (508 filled responses were received; among which, eight were defective, and hence discarded). The data were collected with the help of a self-administered structured questionnaire having three distinct components. The first part pertained to the demographics of the respondents, the second part involved the quantitative five-point Likert scale-based questions and the third part involved qualitative questions. A short summary of the purpose of this research and the confidentiality statement were given at the beginning of the questionnaire. Demographics given in Table II indicate fair distribution across cross sections of the society, closely representing census reports.

Data analysis
We have used the partial least squares (PLS) approach to SEM to test our model and research hypotheses. PLS-SEM is a second-generational analytic technique, which is considered more efficient than conventional methods, where principal component analysis and regression analysis are run simultaneously, making it a preferred choice. The advantage comes with the fact that PLS-SEM in the process of establishing cause-effect relationships among research constructs avoids multi-collinearity and measurement errors. Moreover, among two approaches of covariance-and PLS-based, the covariance-based approach burdens research with the need for a larger sample. PLS path modelling (PLS-SEMM) with the component-based approach empowers the prediction-oriented discovery process with no assumption requirement in relation to either population or scale of measurement (Fornell and Bookstein, 1982). The fact that formative and reflective indicators can be used in the model in the case of PLS helps the technique score over AMOS and LISREL (Fornell and Bookstein, 1982). The current study used SmartPLS® software for PLS.

Measurement model
The measurement model deals with reliability and validity issues. Internal consistency reliability measure, item reliability measure and composite reliability measures together were considered to verify reliability of latent variables (Table III). The alpha coefficients are of acceptable value (> or = 0.5), even though they are not on the higher side of acceptability. As evident from Table IV, the resultant item reliability measured as standardized factor loading ranges from 0.6 to 0.8. The R-square value (Table III), an indication of the percentage of influence of the independent variables on dependent variables, is acceptable (>10 per cent) for all the variables except GPI. The composite reliability estimate ranging from 0.7 to 0.8 indicates higher reliability. The convergent validity test based on factor loading and composite reliability test indicates moderate to high acceptable range of factor loading for all items, suggesting good composite reliabilities in general. Factor loadings above 0.5 are considered in most of the analyses of this nature, and hence, after factor reduction, the loadings above 0.6 are considered for further analysis, which range from 0.6 to 0.8.

Dynamics of environmental consciousness
Critical test of discriminant validity was carried out by estimating square root of average variance extracted (AVE) for each construct is greater compared with correlation between constructs (Table V), thus indicating acceptable discriminant validity. Even though Cronbach alpha reliability in this study is relatively lower, considering the fact that it is merely the measure of internal consistency, based on rest of the measures, reliability and validity are considered adequate and acceptable.

Hypothesis testing
The hypothesized model consists of six latent constructs designed to test 12 hypotheses postulated based on meta-analyses carried out for the current research (Figures 1 and 2). Items were combined as seen in the model on the basis of an iterative process of testing carried out for the convergent and discriminant validity of the model. Figure 2 depicts the hypothesized model with coefficient and explanatory power (R 2 ) for each of the dependent constructs. While path coefficients are indicative of the strength of the relationship among the latent variables, t-values (Table VI) are indicative of the significance of the relationship, enabling the process of hypothesis testing as seen in Figure 3.    6. Discussions ECO of customers has a significant influence on GPA (H1), as discussed in line with earlier studies (DiPietro and Gregory, 2012;Hu et al., 2010) which indicate that customers who are eco-conscious (personally utilize green practices and initiatives such as recycling, minimization of waste, etc.) are more likely to patronize green purchases.
It was revealed that ECO of customers has a significant influence on PCE (H2). Conscious effort is demanded of customer to make green purchase decisions. So, PCE has to support ECO of the customer to result in GPB, as is revealed in other similar studies (Tan, 2011;Laskova, 2007;Kim and Choi, 2005).
Surprisingly, ECO of customers had no significant influence on GPI (H3). One can very well predict behaviour on the basis of intention. Against this general notion, the study carried out by Kuhl and Beckman (1985) suggests a weak link between cognition and behaviour than expected. They proved that one's behaviour may not be consistent with one's beliefs, values, attitudes or intentions. This supports the rejection of the hypothesis stating that ECO significantly influences GPI of customers.
GPA of customers has a significant influence on PCE (H4). Many researchers including Antil (1984), Berger and Corbin (1992), Roberts (1996) and Majláth (2010) proved that attitude and response to messages received from one's surroundings are a function of one's belief that he/she has the ability to positively contribute towards protection of the environment. Mixed results suggest positive as well as negative relationships between GPA and PCE (Arbuthnot, 1977;Kellgren and Wood, 1986). Whereas, others suggest weak relationships between these variables (Webster, 1975;Mainieri et al., 1997;and Tanner and Kast, 2003).
GPI has a significant influence on PCE (H5). GPI is strongly supported by proenvironmental attitude, environmental knowledge-awareness and even environmental concern. GPI and PCE are different constructs and usually GPA is known to influence PCE, as observed by Chan (2001). However, this research reveals the fact that GPI makes the customers perceive that they are effective contributors to pollution mitigation and environmental degradation minimization; thus, the hypothesis stands supported.
GPA has a significant influence on GRB (H6). It is human nature to evaluate everything on the basis of some degree of inclination favouring or disfavouring (Eagly and Chaiken, 1993) influencing an individual's purchase behaviour. GPA has been significantly related to general GRB, as is evident through various environmental studies (Straughan and Roberts, 1999;Kim and Choi, 2003;Lopez and Cuergo-Arango, 2008;Tan and Lau, 2011), as well as with GPB (Aoyagi-Usui, 2001;Kim and Choi, 2005;Tilikidou, 2007) and green apparel purchasing behaviour (Shim, 1995;Butler and Francis, 1997).
GPA has no significant influence on GPB (H7), as revealed through hypothesis testing. An interesting perspective brought forth with this research indicates that GPA has a significant influence on GRB but not on GPB. This implies that GRB need not necessarily end up into GPB, even though both are causally linked to GPA. Green gap between attitude and behaviour is an observation since long in social sciences, reasons being personal, frequency and habits of past behaviour, personal benefit domination or lack of trust (Gleim et al., 2013;Mittal, 1998;Ouellette and Wood, 1998;Verplanken et al., 1997); market and situational; or non-availability, inadequate promotional strategies of green as compared to conventional products, costliness or aesthetics issues (Punyatoya, 2015;Gleim and Lawson, 2014;Tang et al., 2014;Solomon et al., 2010;Blackwell et al., 2006).
PCE has no significant influence on GRB (H8), as revealed through hypothesis testing. This result contrasts with the research undertaken by Kim (2005). As the study was undertaken in a different location with change in beliefs, culture and social setting, variance IJCCSM 9,5 is possible. PCE, a complex variable, is the result of self-evaluation exercise of analysing ability to contribute towards solutions of the issue (Ellen et al., 1991;Berger and Corbin, 1992). Further, to make things more complicated, an alternative argument poses a debate that individualistic-collectivistic orientations impact PCE, where individuals within a culture may also differ in their value orientation (Kim, 2005). So, there is always a possibility that PCE need not necessarily have a significant influence on GRB.
PCE of customers has no significant influence on GPB (H9). The finding is in contrast to the research findings of a group of researchers who claimed influence of PCE over GRB, recycling, use of energy-efficient products and GPB (Vermeir and Verbeke, 2006;Verhoef 2005;Kim and Choi, 2005;Lee and Holden, 1996). It has been proven that GRB of customers has a significant influence on GPB (H12). It is also established through hypothesis testing that PCE has no influence on GRB (H8). So, it is obvious that PCE has no significant influence on GPB.
GPI has no significant influence on GRB (H10), as revealed through hypothesis testing. Kim (2005) opines that personal efficacy and behavioural intentions are better predictors of target behaviour in relation to the level of specificity of attitudes, behaviour or motivational factors. A large group of researchers have worked on the value-attitude-behaviour model (McCarty and Shrum, 1994;Follows and Jobber, 2000;Castaneda et al., 2008;Singh and Gupta, 2013), but there is not much evidence supporting influence of GPI on GRB. Thus, GPI need not necessarily result in GRB, as revealed through current research. Further, GPI of customers has no significant influence on GPB (H11). Again, as discussed before, GRB and GPB are positively related; hence, the above argument also holds true for GPI.

Conclusions
Current research is an attempt to examine the influence of ECO of the customers on GPB empirically. GPA, GPI, PCE and GRB were the mediating variables between ECO and GPB. The study has provided empirical proof for the fact that ECO of the customer significantly influences GPA as well as PCE, but does not significantly influence GPI. Further, GPA and GPI significantly influence green purchase effectiveness. The study brings forth an important fact that GPA significantly influences GRB, which in turn significantly influences GPB. This finding implicates that the government must initiate active measures in the form of creating awareness, introducing strict regulations on going green and encouraging green manufacture so that ECO of the customers can be increased. A lot of work is in progress to protect Mother Earth from unfriendly practices of manufacture and measures are being taken to protect the environment in all possible ways, and this study is an attempt to meaningfully add to the growing body of literature in this field. The study has also provided a theoretical model for ECO leading to GPB and also developed and validated a questionnaire that can be used by future researchers in studies on ECO.
Generalizability of the results can be considered as one of the main limitations of the study, as it was carried out in a particular state of India and results may not be considered as the perception of the country as a whole, even though it is thought to be a worthy representative sample. So, the study offers scope for collecting sample data from the entire country, so that the results can be generalized at the national level. The study is typically Dynamics of environmental consciousness focussed towards understanding the level of influence of ECO on GPB but does not analyse the linkage between behaviour and action. There is still a gap between behaviour and action, which may be studied as an extension of this work.
ECO has been gaining due importance in the past decade, and a lot of research is in progress round the globe on this vital issue which addresses sustainability. This research is a meaningful contribution to the body of knowledge in this area, bringing forth implications for the policymakers and the manufacturers to make both the customers and the manufacturers develop pro-environmental attitude, behaviour, intention and practice, as it establishes an empirical linkage between these variables.
At the same time, contemporary research has not successfully explained reasons for the gap between rates of translation of GPA into actual purchase of environment-friendly or green products (Gupta and Ogden, 2009).
The neo-classic economic theory explains GRB to a great extent. According to this theory, individuals have rational preferences, they try to maximize their outcomes and they act independently when full information is available (Kollmuss and Agyeman, 2002). The individuals look for the options that are available when it comes to purchase of goods or products. Among these options, they observe both environmentally friendly and environmentally hazardous options which are available. At the same time, they would like to maximize their outcomes in the purchase they make. So, based on all the information about the products that is available through all possible sources, they compare the choices they have in the list of the goods and the products. It is at this stage when their GRB prompts them to select the best of the options among the goods or products that would maximize their outcomes, and at the same time, do no or minimum damage to the environment. Hence, we conclude with the hope that our current study may attract the attention of scholars to advance the existing debates.