Abstract
This project considers scalable solutions to incentivize and motivate behaviors that reduce one’s carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability. The approaches are based on psychological theory and research (e.g., community based social marketing; Fries, Cook, & Lynes, 2020; Schultz, 2014). We present techniques focusing on individual choices and actions to reduce greenhouse gas methane production, fossil fuel use, and the introduction of microplastics into the environment. For each issue, we consider barriers that prevent or discourage behavior, and include a strong educational component that harnesses the strength of critical psychological approaches (e.g., social norms). For reducing methane gas emissions, we discuss developing educational materials to address a critical barrier: lack of knowledge about impact of food choices on climate change, and how to integrate psychological principles into such as brochures to address mistrust and concern regarding individual impact and nutritional concerns. To reduce fossil fuel use, we discuss how to harness the power of the foot-in-the-door principle to encourage solar power use through small, targeted requests, and focusing efforts on youth. To reduce the introduction of microplastics into the environment, we consider an often overlooked area: shedding of microplastics from clothing during laundering. We discuss ways to overcome barriers, including lack of knowledge regarding the issue, one’s own contribution, and the impact on the environment and one’s own body. We discuss how to personalize information by showing how microplastics enter the human body and have the potential to affect health. Implications are discussed.
Presenters
Jonathan LokeStudent, Psychology of the Environment, Western Washington University, Washington, United States Darby Graf
Student, Progress Psychology, Western Washington University, Washington, United States David Sattler
Professor, Psychology, Western Washington University, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Technical, Political, and Social Responses
KEYWORDS
CLIMATE CHANGE, COMMUNITY BASED SOCIAL MARKETING, PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES, SOCIAL NORMS
