Abstract Global warming and carbon emissions have gained international
attention. However, it would appear that consumers are still unclear about
what it encompasses and how it relates to their individual behaviour. Using the
Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) as a guiding framework, this study presents
a structural equation model that tests the relationships between carbon and
environmental knowledge, environmental attitude and behaviour using a sample
of US consumers. The findings of the research suggest that a positive relationship
was found between general and carbon-specific knowledge, attitude towards the
environment, and general and carbon-specific behaviours. Therefore, general
and carbon-specific environmental behaviours are related and may be driven
by general attitudes and knowledge (i.e. both carbon-specific and general
environmental knowledge). The implications of the study would suggest that
marketers, working in tandem with government policymakers, need to focus
efforts on developing consumers’ knowledge about specific sub-issues, such as
global warming. However, additional research needs to be undertaken to develop
marketing communication that accurately reflects the environmental impact of
consumption behaviour, thereby allowing for considered consumption.
Keywords sustainability; green; environmental knowledge; carbon offsets
Hydrolysis