SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION PRACTICES AND WELL BEING AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Abstract

In the 21st century, environmental issues focus on things that can be threats to the harmony and well-being of human lives. This is due to the increased consumption of goods and services by households. The excessive use of consumption can have an adverse effect on human lives. The average monthly household expenditure in Malaysia increased by 12.1 percent from RM1,953 in 2004/2005 to RM2,190 in the year 2009/2010 (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2009/2010). Water, electricity, gas and other fuels are among the highest contributors of total monthly household expenditure at 15.1 percent, which is RM496 in 2009/2010 as compared to RM430 in 2004/2005. In addition, the average household income in Malaysia has also increased by 9.2 percent with RM4,025 in 2009 as compared to RM3,686 in 2007. This shows that most of the consumer’s income are spent on goods and services that may have adverse effects on the environment as well as to their well-being.