Paper or Plastic: Energy, Environment, and Consumerism in Sweden and America

(Hardback)

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This study compares household energy use, environmental awareness, and consumerism among residents of small towns in Sweden and America. The author, a cultural anthropologist, uses quantitative and qualitative data from fieldwork to formulate a holistic analysis. The study considers broader questions about the uses of energy, consumer goods, quality of life, and the environment. The industrial worldview is critiqued at both individual and institutional levels. It concludes with a call for a more spiritual approach to environmentalism and social issues.

Reviews

[I]t aptly demonstrates the crucial importance of daily household activity to energy conservation, challeneges stereotypes about thrifty Swedes and wasteful Americans, and shows how environmental attitudes fit into broader cultural patterns.-Environment
The study provides detailed data based on in-depth interviews, surveys, consumer logs, and observation of similar households in two small towns-Munka Ljungby in Sweden and Foley in Minnesota. These data collectively demonstrate potential difficulties encountered in attempting to effect long-term behavioral changes....These results should be interesting to consumer behaviorists, energy providers, and energy policy makers alike....Overall, the book is very informative and does an excellent job presenting the attitudes and behaviors that lead consumers in making energy choices. Energy policy-makers, as well as other public officials, should find guidance in the difficulties of effecting long-term consumer behavior modification Consumer behaviorists gain valuable insights into the attitudes and behaviors of consumers regarding energy consumption.-The Journal of Consumer Affairs
This slim and delightfully written volume nicely indexes the maturation of sociological and anthropological inquiry into matters of environmental degradation and preservation.-Community
"It aptly demonstrates the crucial importance of daily household activity to energy conservation, challeneges stereotypes about thrifty Swedes and wasteful Americans, and shows how environmental attitudes fit into broader cultural patterns."-Environment
"[I]t aptly demonstrates the crucial importance of daily household activity to energy conservation, challeneges stereotypes about thrifty Swedes and wasteful Americans, and shows how environmental attitudes fit into broader cultural patterns."-Environment
"This slim and delightfully written volume nicely indexes the maturation of sociological and anthropological inquiry into matters of environmental degradation and preservation."-Community
"The study provides detailed data based on in-depth interviews, surveys, consumer logs, and observation of similar households in two small towns-Munka Ljungby in Sweden and Foley in Minnesota. These data collectively demonstrate potential difficulties encountered in attempting to effect long-term behavioral changes....These results should be interesting to consumer behaviorists, energy providers, and energy policy makers alike....Overall, the book is very informative and does an excellent job presenting the attitudes and behaviors that lead consumers in making energy choices. Energy policy-makers, as well as other public officials, should find guidance in the difficulties of effecting long-term consumer behavior modification Consumer behaviorists gain valuable insights into the attitudes and behaviors of consumers regarding energy consumption."-The Journal of Consumer Affairs

Author Bio

RITA J. ERICKSON is a post-doctoral associate in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She is the author of articles on energy use and environmental awareness. Though it is in her own backyard, she has never been to the Mall of America.