Promoting consumer adoption of water-efficient washing machines in China: Barriers and countermeasures

摘要: Abstract The increasing popularity of water-efficient appliances is vital for water conservation. However, only few studies have investigated the purchasing behaviour consumers and its influencing factors, particularly use water-saving washing machines (h-axis cloth washers). In this study, we analysed effects individual characteristics (e.g. knowledge, attitude information source), selection criteria selling points on purchase h-axis washers distinguished buyers from those conventional (v-axis washers) by conducting a detailed survey 321 in four cities northern China. We then evaluated data via one-way ANOVA binary logistic regression. choice consumer to was positively associated with his/her education, income conservation awareness, energy efficiency product popularisation e-commerce manufacturer websites. High price, opacity, perceived negative benefits ineffective communication were identified as main barriers selecting washers. Public programs promoting need enhance transparency effectively communicate costs buying these appliances. Community-based salesman supervision, electricity bills washer labels are also recommended.