Determinants of Pro-environmental Behaviour - Sustainability at UVic

We all know that engaging in pro-environmental behaviours is a good thing – few would argue that doing our best to protect the environment is beneficial to us all. Although we may agree on this theoretically, there are many barriers that prevent and deter individuals from acting in accordance to their beliefs. One such barrier is the perceived difficulty associated with engaging in pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs). The difficulty associated with carrying out a PEB determines how likely an individual is to participate in such a behaviour – essentially, the easier the task, the more likely people will do it (Kennedy, Beckley, McFarlane, & Nadeau, 2009). For example, people are more likely to use a reusable mug (a relatively easy task) than they are to compost (a much more difficult task). Accordingly, making a PEB easier to do will increase the likelihood people will engage in it. So, if an individual or institution wants to minimize their negative impact on the environment, why aren't more institutions taking steps to make the process easier?

Hearing all this got us thinking about the environmental movement here at UVic. There are many initiatives around campus which are aimed at making engaging in PEBs easier for students. The plethora of recycling bins as well as the compost stations around campus is excellent examples. Cycling amenities such as bike lockers, showers, and change rooms are provided to faculty and staff to promote bicycling. Did you know that a brand new Bike Kitchen opened last April? Check out the video below!

Although UVic has provided these tools to promote pro-environmental behaviours, are they truly effective in doing so? How many students are actually bringing their compost in their backpacks to drop off on campus?

 

There is no easy answer to this question. In reality many factors contribute to whether or not individuals will engage in pro-environmental behaviours, what is important is that people in high positions of power ensure that engaging in these PEBs is as easy as possible for the general population. We defiantly feel as though UVic is withholding their end of the deal by implementing so many environmentally friendly initiatives on campus. Yay UVic!