1. Harald Throne-Holst The Consumer as Citizen or The Citizen as Consumer Karlstad 7.-8.February 2006 Harald Throne-Holst SIFO (National Institute for Consumer Research)

2. Harald Throne-Holst Consumer influence in two dimensions MicroMacro Politics VotersPolitical Parties Market Consumers Consumer organisations

3. Harald Throne-Holst From markets to politics – An example A grassroot movement among the housewives in the lake Mjøsa-region The idea was launched in a local newspaper in November 1972 It was quickly recognised by other actors, and a voluntary agreement between the government and the industry was reached in 1973. The housewife went from being an active contributor to become symbol of the consumers’ potential power Two regional and two national regulations – the last one a complete ban – in 1990.

4. Harald Throne-Holst The Role of the Consumer Consumers have potential influence in modern environmental policy, and it is possible to mobilise individuals both as consumers and political actors However, as long as the problem is placed on the micro-market level alone, the influence of individuals are limited Our cases showed that the link between individuals, in their role as (political) consumers and the framework created by politicians on the macro-politics level is crucial

5. Harald Throne-Holst Recycling

6. Harald Throne-Holst Eco-labels: Trust in institutions