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Pester power works for sustainability, not just hamburgers

New research suggests the way to encourage adults to shop sustainably is to target their children.

In a survey of 400 Melbourne families, Victoria University researchers found older teenagers held considerable power over their parents when it came to choosing sustainable products such as organic food, chemical-free cleaning products and energy-saving light bulbs.

Parents largely accepted their children as experts on the subject, especially when their children were more enthusiastic about sustainability than them.

“When the family perceived the child to be knowledgeable, parents were happy to cede decision-making power on the subject to their children, in a similar way to how parents often take their children’s advice on technology,” the lead researcher said.

Read more at Victoria University

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