Awareness and Wellbeing
An “Emotional Inventory” for Natural Stones: Towards a Regional Red-sea Construction Identity in Harmony with Nature View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Nouran Elkhattam, Sherif Goubran, Salma Ahmed, Salma Halawa
This research investigates the capacity materials have to evoke emotions. It suggests the creation of an «Emotional Inventory», a term that is defined in this research and entails a methodology of documentation beyond that of the technical aspects of materials. Thus, this research aims to fill the apparent knowledge gap between materials’ technical and experiential specifications. Understanding the role of materials in spaces and their effect on users, this research questions how materials are selected and used today. This research focuses on the material identity of the red sea area, specifically, Al Galala City. The three natural stone materials of Galala, Zafaarana, and Silvia are studied with variations in three of their physical parameters. It isn’t clear what kind of emotional experiences these materials offer; therefore, this research hypothesizes the use of the proposed methodology in identifying which parameters of materials make a difference in evoking emotions and if the methodology of such emotion detection is reliable. The consideration of the local materials of Al Galala City aims to continue the natural identity thread of the location. This data is portrayed as a series of ‘Emotional Footprints’ . Moreover, the results show the variation in studying materials in their totality compared to studying the effects certain material parameters have on emotional response. Therefore, a more holistic understanding of materials and their emotional capabilities is concluded.
The Ecological Intimacy of Indigenous Relationality: Sustainability through Responsibilities and Epistemological Practices
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Doreen Martinez
As the earth shakes, rumbles, pours, and scorches, Indigenous traditions and knowledges are being sought. Several key Indigenous concepts are receiving particular attention such as the relational nature of Indigenous beliefs, and reciprocity traditions. Yet, as more and more efforts to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into sustainability efforts and pursuits is occurring, key epistemological foundations and traditional principles need to accompany, and potential (re)align these recognitions and integration attempts. This work locates and grounds premises and engagements of ecological intimacy, which pulls from the ecology of intimacy understandings and applications, while applying and focusing it in relation and contingent to natural reason/natural law centerings. Wherein, natural reason/natural law is known as foundational to Indigenous cosmologies. Thus, ecological intimacy becomes a model of Indigenous epistemological practices with focus and intent on nature’s knowledge offerings and our contingent responsibilities. Also, this work flushes out the distinctions of fulfilling Nation/Indigenous responsibilities rather than relying on oft truncated notions of reciprocity. Lastly, a more deliberate telling of relationality will be provided as relationships are necessary to fulfill all aspects of Indigenous ways of being. In the current ever-present and heightened urgencies of climate change/climate crises, these concepts and frameworks are quickly being referenced and/or tokenistically employed. While they may seem self-explanatory, they are often over-generalized. Thus, this work, from an Indigenous epistemological grounding, engages Indigenous knowledge traditions to explain and provide insights and perspectives to these conceptual potentialities for sustainability.
Perceptions and Behaviours towards Sustainable Fashion: An Empirical Study Focusing on Portuguese Consumers View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Ana Fonseca
Fashion industry is generically associated with negative environmental and social impacts, and fashion brands are being pressured to adopt and communicate sustainability-oriented practices. However, many challenges still remain to achieve fashion consumption patterns aligned with sustainability values. The aim of the present study is to contribute to the understanding of consumers’ barriers and motivations regarding sustainable fashion, focusing the specific socio-cultural context of Portugal. A descriptive exploratory approach was used, based on a cross-sectional survey applied to a convenience sample of 168 Portuguese fashion consumers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to answer the research questions. The results obtained show that, for the sampled fashion consumers, sustainability topics have a moderate perceived importance in purchase intentions, which is not reflected in consumption habits. Fashion brands’ sustainability-oriented communications are considered effective strategies to promote responsible consumption patterns. The analysis of the differences between consumers’ perceptions and behaviours regarding sustainable fashion revealed three different clusters of fashion consumers. Suggestions are made for fashion brands and marketeers to adapt communication strategies in order to address the different patterns of consumer characteristics. Increasing the awareness level of fashion consumers on sustainability issues and, at the same time, promoting the shift from awareness to action is essential to enhance the necessary change towards more sustainable fashion consumption patterns.
Profiling Circular Economy Practices of Catholic Non-Profit Organisations in Portugal View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Susana Cunha Trindade, Pauline Deutz, Tomás B. Ramos
The concept of a circular economy (CE) has gained prominence as a partial solution to pressing environmental issues. This paper emphasises the role played by the third sector in advancing circular practices, particularly within Catholic Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs). With over 1.3 billion believers globally, the Catholic church exerts a multifaceted influence across various societal dimensions and environmental sustainability. Taking the context of Portuguese Catholic NPOs to examine the adoption of CE practices, we conducted semi-structured interviews between May 22nd and September 20th, 2023. These interviews included in-person and online with top managers and technical teams across parish centres, Mercy Houses, and generic Catholic organisations nationwide. These aimed to gain insights into the challenges, opportunities, and perspectives of Catholic organisations in embracing CE practices. The study examined the relative importance of the Church and influences from wider society on the NPOs in CE initiatives. Results revealed varying degrees of CE. While the majority expressed interest in transitioning to CE practices, their motivations included cost reduction, religious values, and ecological responsibility. Common circular practices included recycling, exchange, reduction, reuse, repair and waste management. However, most organisations lacked dedicated CE personnel and did not monitor, assess or report the outcomes of their initiatives. Barriers to CE adoption were identified, such as financial constraints, manpower and time limitations. The lack of support from the Catholic Church and Portuguese Government delayed progress in this area. Several organisations were unaware of the Laudato Si' Encyclical. Challenges exist, these social organisations demonstrate a commitment to integrating CE practices.
