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Purpose of the research
This research was conducted in order to identify whether people who hold certain attitudes towards life, and sustainability in general, are more likely to display pro-environmental behaviours. The findings will assist in developing ways to influence attitudes and behaviour towards the environment.
What we measured
We wanted to know the effect of
sense of responsibility towards the community, and sustainability in general
perceived control over environmentally-related actions
knowledge about sustainability
the importance placed on sustainability
level of awareness of one's values and beliefs
the degree to which one perceives one's community supports sustainability
on
the extent to which one undertakes behaviours which are beneficial to the environment
overall self-rating with regards to the sustainability of one's behaviour
What we found
Overall, people who display a high level of pro-environmental behaviours are likely to
have a strong sense of responsibility towards the community
feel that they have a lot of control over their sustainability
feel that they are well informed in sustainability issues
feel that they are well supported by the community and people around them to adopt sustainable behaviours
regularly their examine own beliefs and values
In comparison to men, women are more likely to
feel a strong sense of responsibility
have a strong awareness of their beliefs and values
perceive that they have a lot of control over their sustainable actions
undertake pro-environmental behaviours
actively avoid using plastic bags to carry shopping
In comparison to women, men are more likely to
feel they are well-informed about sustainability
feel they have a good level of self-discipline for making sustainable decisions
over-rate their overall self-rating of sustainability in comparison to their actual reported behaviour
find it difficult to make sustainability a priority in their actions
believe that acting sustainably comes at an unacceptable cost to them
believe that the government has a greater responsibility in dealing with sustainability issues than individuals
Next Steps
By understanding the attitudes and psychological factors which contribute to sustainable behaviours, we are better able to identify which "buttons to push in order to encourage those behaviours. The findings from this research will assist in the development of efforts to educate and inspire people to live more sustainably.
A full report of the survey findings can be downloaded here (52kb pdf)
