Information Exposure in the Evaluation and Selection of Eco-Friendly Apparels among Nigerian Undergraduates

Abstract

Textiles could be one of the most un-sustainable products in the world. In their entire lifecycle from growing the raw material or creating it from oil to manufacturing, selling and final disposal they can create a serious problem. The study examined the role of information exposure in undergraduates’ evaluation and selection of eco-friendly apparel. The study employed the use of descriptive survey. The study was carried out on three hundred and ninety-one (391) students in Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State. A structured questionnaire made up of 32 items was used for data collection. Responses to the questionnaire were analysed descriptively and inferentially. Findings revealed that information exposure on evaluation and selection of eco-friendly apparels helps form perceptions about products, relates valuable information about the environmental attributes of apparel items, it is a medium through which apparel companies build their brand identity among others. Findings also revealed that eco-friendly apparels can reduce skin irritation and infection as a result of chemicals used in production, boosts up the economy by using local resources and varieties, help socially by giving more premiums to the growers (farmers) among others. It was recommended that school administration, the government and non-governmental organizations such as the Green Institute Initiatives should organise orientation programmes to further educate undergraduates and the general public on the concept of eco-friendly and its importance and that textile producers and merchandisers should adopt a more environmentally and socially responsible supply-chain management-practice and promote such practices to consumers and other businesses.