Abstract
In this paper, we evaluate the effects that consumption patterns have on CO2 emissions and waste generated from electrical and electronic equipment in China. We focus on consumer decisions regarding product selection, usage and disposal assuming that these behaviors significantly influence energy efficiency and the flow of discarded products. Four distinguishing consumption patterns were revealed as a result of a questionnaire and from research literature : “Business as Usual”, “Frequent Replace”, “Chain of Uses” and “Quality and Wisdom.” We also evaluate differences in product flow and environmental impacts from 2006 to 2030. Results show that “Quality and Wisdom” is the best style of consumption with regard to both CO2 emissions and reduction of waste generation. When the effects on living standards are taken into consideration, however, a combination of “Quality and Wisdom” and “Chain of Users” seems to best contribute to an optimization of trade-offs between multiple targets of resource consumption, the release of hazardous materials and economic disparities.
