Consumers

A person's buying choices are influenced by four factors:

• motivation
  
• perception
  
• knowledge
  
• beliefs.
  

Consumers buy the goods they need at prices they can afford. Aluminium beverage cans are a popular packaging material with consumers. Research by the Canmakers Institute in 1998 indicated that consumers liked drinks in aluminium cans for the following reasons:

• availability
  
• price/value for money
  
• convenience
  
• light and portable.
  

Drinks are available in either single cans at kiosks, vending machines or cafés. They are also available in 'multipacks' from supermarkets or service stations. Multipacks are a winner with families as they are:

• value for money through volume purchase and special offers
  
• long lasting
  
• easy to carry
  
• provide a constant supply of the preferred drink for the family.
  
  

Consumers consume drinks in a variety of places, not necessarily where they buy them. Most householders can recycle their used aluminium beverage cans through local council recycling programs, and in many public places, such as beaches and parks, there are separate bins for recyclable containers and non-recyclable rubbish.

If there isn't a separate bin for recyclable containers then take your aluminium can home with you and recycle it that way. You can always crush the can so it's easier to carry. For the best way to crush a can check out Activity 4.