Effectiveness of prompts and models on food composting by restaurant patrons
Date
2010-11-16T21:33:43Z
Authors
Sussman, Reuven
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Composting of biodegradable waste is an effective means of reducing landfill garbage and improving the state of our environment. The widespread adoption of this behaviour by community members is subject to various social psychological processes. Table top signs outlining a pro-composting injunctive norm, and models demonstrating the behaviour (descriptive norm) were employed in two shopping centre food courts and a fast food restaurant to attempt to increase the use of public compost bins. When diners viewed models composting ahead of them, they were more likely to compost as well. However, the signs had no effect on composting rates, either alone or in combination with the models. Results support the idea that behaving in a pro-environmental manner around others can have an influence on them to behave pro-environmentally as well.
Description
Keywords
Compost, Organic wastes, Recycling, Victoria, B.C.