The perception of social risk associated with non-ecological
behavior therefore has a central function in the process of
influence. Even with consumers aware of their relevant others’
environmentalism, if no social risk is involved, they feel no
obligation to avoid harmful products. Therefore, perceived
social risk is expected to play a mediating role between
ascriptions of environmental concern and pro-environmental
decisions. The following hypothesis is proposed:
H2. Among two products in the same category, the
influence of ECARO on the probability of choosing the
item with the lowest environmental impact is mediated
by the perceived social risk of choosing most impactful
item.