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Ecological consumer protection

  • 2005. július 24.
  • humusz
The Hungarian society which had to endure many kinds of shortages and restrictions under the Socialist era, blaze away at the consumer society in a carefree way after the democratic transformation. However, the desired economic growth can only be sustained in the long run by raising the need for the production and consumption of new products. These demands are aroused mainly by adverts.
The ecological consumer protectionists ask essential questions such as: What is development? Can we speak about „development”, when we make waste out of the valuable raw materials of the Earth as quickly as we can? What are our needs? Do we need more and more industrial products or rather clean air, drinking water, fresh food and relaxing peacefulness? Who finance advertisements and who need them? Should not we rather promote the protection of environment every time we buy something? More and more consumers in Hungary feel that these questions are justified but those enjoying the freedom of consumption do not like to be told what to buy. Many have got bored of TV-commercials and leaflets, which fill their letter-boxes every day. But there are many more who still believe unconditionally that adverts give them correct information about the products they need, failing to notice that what they get is actually a campaign to arouse their need for more consumption instead.

Today, no level playing field exists for consumers in Hungary. While big monopolies who determine the level of price and quality, are getting even more influential, the position of consumers is getting weaker and weaker. No matter how environment-conscious the consumers are, they face hard dilemmas when they try to buy environment-friendly products. Market incentives do not reward their decisions yet. Consumers have to make an effort to find products in environment-friendly or refillable packaging. Indeed, they pay a higher price for these products than for those in one-way packaging. A „new consumer society” is too profitable business for the advertising, the big producers and distributors and they are simply not willing to reduce their profits by self-regulation because of environmental or consumer protection issues.

During the political and economic change, the state withdrew from the free market. Average consumers found left alone with Hungarian and foreign companies trying to trade on their position. It became clear by today that the state has a responsibility to influence the market in order to safeguard the interests of consumers. The state should ensure

  • the opportunity of real choice in commerce

  • the protection of consumers against unfair market behaviour and products with health hazards

  • the protection of consumer’s interests and the maintenance of agencies that safeguard consumer’s interests

  • a regular instruction and training for consumers; the setting up of information centres and provision for legal advice service.

Consumer protection authorities were formed in Hungary in 1991, later than they should had been. Although they have exert noticeable influences in some areas recently but this does not mean that there is no task left for civil consumer protectionists. Civil organizations above all draw our attention to some specific aspects of ecological consumer protection. One of these aspects is the transformation in the structure of commerce. Shopping mall chains manage to attract a great number of consumers with special offers and leaflets since buyers who are not accustomed to these measures have difficulties to assess the social and ecological consequences of this „forced consumption”.